- By Ridhi Suri
- Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistani classical singer Mai Dhai recently achieved a milestone by being featured on a prominent Times Square billboard in New York City. She gained prominence after appearing in Lahooti Live Sessions in 2013, a platform that promotes indigenous Sufi/Folk music. Produced by The Sketches, this series helped elevate her career and paved the way for her appearance on Coke Studio Pakistan in 2015. In Coke Studio's eighth season, Mai Dhai showcased her distinctive style with songs like 'Aankhaṛli Phaṛookai' and 'Kadi Ao Ni,' the latter featuring Atif Aslam and Karam Abbas Khan. Her performance was well-received, blending Rajasthani flavours with contemporary music influences.
Mai Dhai, a septuagenarian singer from Pakistan's Tharparkar district, is renowned for her talent rooted in the rich cultural traditions of the Manganhar Muslim community. Originating from the desert landscapes of Tharparkar, this community of singers is celebrated on both sides of the Pakistan-India border, particularly in Rajasthan. "A voice like that of the cuckoo reaches Times Square directly. Listen to Mai Dhai on the #EQUALPAKISTAN playlist," Spotify Pakistan has posted on Instagram, sharing a picture of Dhai at a vertical billboard on Times Square.
Reflecting on her journey and challenges in an interview with Broadway World, Mai Dhai expressed confidence in her voice and cultural roots, despite societal constraints on women performing on stage. She remains hopeful for positive changes, aiming to inspire future generations through her music and cultural legacy.
Earlier, Pakistani musician-singer Talal Qureshi was prominently featured on a Spotify billboard at Times Square in October 2023, showcasing his 2023 album 'Turbo.' Qureshi is celebrated for his skillful blend of traditional Pakistani music and contemporary electronic sounds, with notable hits including 'Peechay Hut,' 'Hico,' 'Faltu Pyar,' and 'Paisa.'