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Who is Mai Dhai, the desi classical singer to feature on Times Square?

Pakistani classical singer Mai Dhai was recently featured on Times Square as part of Spotify Pakistan’s Equal Pakistan initiative. The 105-year-old has a legacy of promoting classical and folk music…

Mai Dhai

A Pakistani classical singer Mai Dhai recently made history for being featured at the iconic Times Square in New York. The singer hailing from the Sindh province becomes the latest Pakistani celebrity to be celebrated at the buzzing location.

She started the Mai Dhai Band which includes Jamal Shab on harmonium and Muhammad Fakir on dhol. 

Mai Dhai featured on Times Square

Located in New York City, the iconic Times Square is well-known for its digital billboards that often display images of celebrities and major brands. It is also one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the world.

Mai Dhai was recently named Spotify’s Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan. Her famous melodious song ‘Koyal’ has also been featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist, thus celebrating her artistry and offering her a platform to reach even wider audiences. Equal Pakistan is an initiative by Spotify that aims at promoting both established as well as emerging female artists. It focuses on recognising the contributions of these artists to Pakistan’s music industry.

Spotify Pakistan also celebrated Dhai’s feature on Times Square on their official Instagram page. They shared a picture of her on the billboard and wrote, “A voice like that of the cuckoo reaches Times Square directly.”

Who is Mai Dhai?

Mai Dhai is from Tharparkar located in the Sindh province. She was reportedly born on 1st January 1919 and belongs to the Manganhar Muslim community. The 105-year-old represents a rich musical heritage of Pakistan’s Tharparkar district as well as India’s Rajasthan state.

Mai Dhai has grown significantly in popularity since she started performing at various musical festivals across Pakistan. Mai Dhai’s music was recognised internationally after she performed at SXSW (South by Southwest) Music 2015 in the US. In the following year, her popularity reached new heights after she made her debut on Coke Studio’s season 8. Here she performed on songs like ‘Aankharli Pharookai’ and ‘Kadi Ao Ni’ with Karam Abbas Khan and Atif Aslam.

Mai Dhai continues to captivate listeners with her powerful voice and emotive delivery even at the age of 105. Her journey to fame is a testament to her legendary talent and the endearing appeal of traditional music.


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Amarylisa Gonsalves

Amarylisa Gonsalves is a reporter who is spicing up the world, one story at a time. With 4+ years of journalist experience, she's dished out the scoops and blogs on almost everything from entertainment,...