“From humble beginnings to Times Square."
In a significant achievement for Pakistani music, classical singer Mai Dhai was recently featured on a billboard in Times Square, New York City.
Times Square is globally renowned for its dazzling digital displays showcasing celebrities and major brands.
Mai Dhai, hailing from Tharparkar Sindh, is the latest Pakistani artist to be highlighted in this iconic location.
She is known for her unique voice and popular songs like ‘Kaid Ao Ni’.
Dhai’s presence in Times Square marks a momentous occasion for her career and Pakistani music.
Belonging to the Manganhar Muslim community, Mai Dhai represents a rich musical heritage that spans Pakistan’s Tharparkar district and India’s Rajasthan state.
Her rise to fame is a testament to her exceptional talent and the enduring appeal of traditional music.
Spotify Pakistan celebrated Dhai’s Times Square feature on their official Instagram page.
Mai Dhai’s acclaim has grown significantly since she began performing at various musical festivals across Pakistan.
Her popularity soared in 2016 when she made her debut on Coke Studio’s season 8.
She performed ‘Aankharli Pharookai’ and ‘Kadi Ao Ni’ with Karam Abbas Khan and Atif Aslam.
Dhai captivated audiences with her powerful voice and emotive delivery.
The Equal Pakistan initiative by Spotify, under which Dhai was featured, aims to recognise and promote the contributions of female artists in Pakistan.
This initiative has brought much-needed attention to the diverse talents within the country’s music scene.
In October 2023, another Pakistani artist, Talal Qureshi, was also featured on a Spotify billboard in Times Square.
His album Turbo, which fuses traditional Pakistani music with modern electronic sounds, was highlighted.
It showcased the innovative spirit of Pakistan’s music industry.
Other Pakistani musicians like Hasan Raheem and Grammy-winning singer Arooj Aftab have also been featured on the Times Square billboard.
Mai Dhai has further established Pakistan’s presence on the global music stage.
Pakistanis are thrilled to see their country being represented globally.
A user wrote: “Mai Dhai’s feature on the Times Square billboard is not just a personal victory but an important milestone for Pakistani classical music.”
Another added: “From humble beginnings to Times Square. Mai Dhai has come a long way and will continue to do so.”
One said: “More power to her. She must not have ever imagined going from Tharparkar to New York.”
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