Norwegian singer William Gamborg goes viral singing Pakistani songs in Lahore
Norwegian singer, songwriter and dancer William Gamborg has attracted attention on social media with videos of his visit to Lahore, where he has been enjoying Pakistani music and performing alongside local children.
Gamborg has been sharing glimpses of his time in the city on Instagram, including rides in Qingqi rickshaws, outings on Lahore’s streets and impromptu singing sessions featuring popular Pakistani songs.
His relaxed manner and enthusiasm for local music have drawn reactions from social media users, particularly to videos showing him singing Urdu and Punjabi songs with children.
Pakistani songs win over social media
One widely shared video shows Gamborg performing a song by Pakistani singer Ali Raza alongside local children. His expressions and energetic delivery while singing have become a talking point among viewers.
One social media user praised his performance, saying he sang with such enthusiasm and expression that it was difficult not to enjoy watching him.
The user jokingly remarked that Pakistanis had turned even a foreigner into a “Ranjha”, a reference to the celebrated romantic figure in Punjabi folklore.
Another video featuring Gamborg singing with children has also attracted attention, with users praising their joint performances.
Some social media users have also commented on the apparent rise in engagement on his Instagram account.
One user suggested that his videos had gone from receiving a few hundred views to attracting hundreds of thousands or even millions of views, attributing the change humorously to Lahore’s influence.
From Norwegian dance shows to music
Gamborg is a Norwegian performer whose work spans singing, songwriting and dance. He began participating in dance and television programmes at a young age and showcased his talent on Norway’s Got Talent show, Norske Talenter, in 2014.
After working in dance, he turned his attention to his own music. He released his debut single, Sørenga, in 2021, marking the beginning of his career as a singer and songwriter.
His music draws on several genres, including pop and rhythm and blues (R&B). He completed his studies at Norway’s LIMPI music institution in 2022 and has released songs including Holder Igjen and Oppmerksom Som Helt.
Gamborg has also been associated with the Norwegian dance group Quick Style, which has gained international recognition for its distinctive performances.
Lahore offers a different stage
During his recent stay in Lahore, Gamborg has been drawing attention not primarily for his own music but for his enthusiasm for Pakistani songs and his interactions with local residents.
From travelling through the city’s streets in a Qingqi rickshaw to singing alongside children, his videos have offered viewers a glimpse of everyday life in Lahore alongside the city’s musical culture.
The online response has centred on his expressive singing, easygoing interactions and willingness to participate in local musical traditions, giving his social media presence a new dimension during his visit to Pakistan.