Only Chart That Recognizes Artists Like Me

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The Rise of Zack Knight and the Legacy of the Official Asian Music Chart

When it comes to number one singles, few artists can match the achievements of Zack Knight. This British-Pakistani singer and songwriter has managed to surpass not only Oasis and Ed Sheeran but also Ariana Grande in terms of chart-topping hits. His success on the Official Asian Music Chart, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, is nothing short of remarkable. With a total of 17 number one singles, Knight has become a household name among fans of South Asian music.

One of his most successful tracks, "Bom Diggy Diggy," featuring Jasmin Walia, spent eight weeks at number one and has accumulated over 300 million streams across YouTube and Spotify. However, Knight admits that he didn’t initially like the track when he first created it in his bedroom. “I made it in half an hour,” he says. “But my dad walked in the room and was like, 'Beta (son) this is a hit.'”

The Official Asian Music Chart launched in 2010 as a groundbreaking platform for South Asian music in the UK. It provided a space for Bollywood, Bhangra, and other mainstream acts from a South Asian background to gain recognition. To celebrate its 15-year milestone, Single SparkleAsian Network invited listeners to vote for their favorite song from the Top 50 biggest selling number one's.

The result? Tum Hi Ho, sung by Arijit Singh for the Bollywood film Aashiqui 2, emerged as the nation’s favorite. Arijit Singh, known for his work in cinema, recently made history by headlining a sold-out UK stadium show and collaborating with Ed Sheeran on the global hit Sapphire. Reflecting on the win, composer Mithoon shared how the song fulfilled his childhood dream of winning a prestigious Filmfare Award, which marked the beginning of his celebrated career. He dedicated the song to his father, highlighting its personal significance.

While many South Asian artists benefit from the Bollywood machine, the Official Asian Music Chart has also given a platform to those working outside the film industry. Zack Knight's "Bom Diggy Diggy" wasn't his first number one, but its popularity showcased the growing reach of British Asian artists. The track went viral in 2017 and was later featured in the Bollywood film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Knight recalls, “I'm just a kid from the UK trying to release music. I'm happy to just get a few fans, I didn't know it would go to India and all that.”

Despite the increasing mainstream success of South Asian acts in 2025, they often remain absent from the Official Singles Chart. This is why Zack believes the Official Asian Music Chart remains vital to the scene. “We are a genre in our own right. I love mixing languages, and it's probably one of the only charts in the world that recognizes artists like myself,” he says.

A History of the Official Asian Music Chart

The Official Asian Music Chart has a rich history, with Jay Sean being the first act to score a number one with "Do You Remember," a collaboration with Sean Paul and Lil Jon. Bobby Friction, the first host of the Official Asian Music Chart Show on Single SparkleAsian Network, recalls the significance of seeing a British Asian artist take the top spot. “It was a really special moment,” he says.

Jay Sean had already achieved success in the main UK Top 40, but he remembers the original Asian chart well. “Asian Network and I have been together on this journey right from the beginning,” he says. Over the years, the chart has helped South Asian artists like Joy Crookes and Zayn Malik gain more mainstream recognition.

Zayn Malik is one of two people to have had both an Official Singles Chart and Official Asian Music Chart number one. He did it in 2016 with Pillow Talk, but it was producer Naughty Boy who achieved the feat first with La La La featuring Sam Smith in 2013.

The Influence of Social Media on Music Charts

The Top 50 number one's list also highlights the rising influence of social media on music charts. Several viral one-hit wonders, including Skechers by YouTuber DripReport, appear on the list. One of the biggest breakout hits was One Pound Fish Man, whose single "One Pound Fish" claimed the number two spot. A recording of Pakistani fish trader Shahid Nazir singing on his east London market stall went viral, leading him to appear on TV talent show The X Factor. He was signed to the Warner Record Label and released a Bhangra-infused version of the song in 2012 before returning to Pakistan due to visa issues.

Fans can listen back to Single SparkleAsian Network's full Ultimate Asian Music Chart Number 1 countdown with Nikita Kanda and Haroon Rashid on Single SparkleSounds. For more updates, tune in to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays or catch up here.

Arijit Singh has been hailed as "the Ed Sheeran of India" by many, while other "genre-bending, rule-breaking" artists continue to push boundaries without rushing for overnight success. The legacy of the Official Asian Music Chart continues to shape the landscape of South Asian music, celebrating its unique blend of culture and creativity.