Haniya is a name that needs no introduction, having first gained prominence as part of the duo ‘Zeb and Haniya’, which she formed with her cousin Zeb Bangash....
music
Over the years, the Pakistani music industry has churned out gems that have left a profound impact on their audiences. Some of these everlasting voices left this world a bit too early and while the memories that the tracks these singers left us with hold strong, Spotify continues to pay tribute to these legends in a way that is captivating to say the least.
In a heartfelt dedication to her extraordinary career and legacy, Haniya Aslam, the beloved Pakistani musician, producer, and mentor, has been named the EQUAL Pakistan ambassador for October 2024. As part of this recognition, she lit up a digital billboard at Times Square in New York, an honour that celebrates her remarkable contributions to music both in Pakistan and beyond.
Haniya is a name that needs no introduction, having first gained prominence as part of the duo ‘Zeb and Haniya’, which she formed with her cousin Zeb Bangash. The two rose to fame with their fusion of pop and folk, releasing the ground-breaking album ‘Chup’ in 2008. Their music featured an eclectic blend of languages - Pashto, Urdu, Dari, and Turkish - breaking boundaries with a sound that resonated across cultural lines. Haniya’s talent was evident not only as a performer but also in her versatility as a composer and producer, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan’s evolving music landscape.
Beyond her work with Zeb and Haniya, Haniya was a trailblazer for women in music. After leaving the duo in 2014 to study audio engineering in Canada, she pursued a solo career, later returning to Pakistan to mentor and uplift the next generation of artists. She became a force behind the scenes, producing music for major platforms like Coke Studio and composing for films, where she collaborated with international talents such as A.R. Rahman. Her collaboration with Rachel Viccaji on Main Irada, an anthem inspired by Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’, reflected her passion for women’s empowerment and advocacy through art.
Haniya’s influence extended far beyond her music. She was deeply proud of feminist movements like ‘Girls at Dhabas’ and feminists reclaiming space, which she said her generation wasn’t brave enough to do. She embraced her role as a mentor, especially for female artists, offering guidance and opportunities in a male-dominated industry. This dedication solidified her legacy as not only a creative genius but also a role model for young musicians navigating the complexities of the music world.
“In my opinion, Haniya is among the finest songwriters this country, and I would argue, South Asia has produced. She had this unique ability to combine very complex and varied sensibilities to churn out something so simple and likeable. Whenever she would make me listen to anything she had made there was hardly anything that I didn’t like she was so good,” said Zeb Bangash in one of her interviews while paying tribute to Haniya. “She was definitely a very sweet soul but she was also a very powerful person. From whatever she could, she would really go out of the way to create spaces for people, especially when it comes to creating opportunities and communities for female musicians. She wanted women to take charge of their destiny, to pick up instruments and start recording themselves,” she added.
Tragically, Haniya Aslam passed away on August 11, 2024, at the age of 46. However, the music community continues to celebrate her legacy. Spotify’s EQUAL programme, which honours exceptional women artists worldwide, has now chosen her as the second Pakistani to receive a posthumous tribute on the platform, following the legendary ‘Queen of South Asia Pop’, Nazia Hassan. This honour ensures that her work and spirit will continue to inspire listeners across generations.
With this recognition, Haniya Aslam’s legacy as an icon has been cemented, celebrating her ability to merge tradition with innovation and her unwavering commitment to empowering women in the arts. Her story is evidence to the power that music holds to bridge cultures and the enduring impact of those who dedicate their lives to creating art with meaning. In the words of Maheen Sabeeh, a music critic, “Haniya was always a bright star, but she never behaved liked one. She was a curious and beautiful artist who subconsciously and consciously paved the way for future generations, particularly female artists.”
- You! desk
