Renowned Pakistani artist Hadiqa Kiani is set to unveil her latest musical venture, ‘Hayat’ (‘Life’).
Hadiqa Kiani’s extraordinary Qawwali project pays homage to the soulful genre of Qawwali, Kiani brings her unique artistry to classic pieces, celebrating the rich heritage and legends who shaped its legacy.
Hadiqa Kiani is a powerhouse of South Asian music and one of the most celebrated artists to emerge from the region. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, she has received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her place as a musical icon. Known for her mastery across a wide range of genres – pop, folk, Sufi, and now Qawwali.
Her timeless hit ‘Boohey Barian’ continues to resonate with fans worldwide, and her viral Qawwali ‘Jannay Iss Dil’ – also launched on Sufiscore – cemented her status as a formidable force in the dynamic and challenging Qawwali tradition.
With her exceptional ability to connect deeply with audiences, Kiani has proven herself a legend who honours tradition while pushing creative boundaries.
Performing in both Urdu and Punjabi, Kiani’s ‘Hayat’ offers a profound exploration of the emotional and spiritual depth of Qawwali. The project features renditions of beloved classics alongside original compositions, presenting a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary interpretations.
‘Hayat’ includes two tracks that honour the poetic genius of Pakistan’s most esteemed poets. The first, ‘Paisa Bolta Hain,’ is a powerful poem by Sail Azad (1938-2018) whose main melody was written by the Sabri Brothers, Ghulam Farid Sabri and Maqbool Ahmed Sabri.
Hadiqa Kiana has added an additional melody to ‘Paisa Bolta Hain’, which is known for his incisive commentary on societal and economic issues.
The second, ‘Dil Lagi’, by Purnam Allahbadi (1940-2009), delves into themes of love and devotion with a timeless resonance. Adding to this artistic tapestry, Kiani also revisits the 16th-century mystical poem ‘Saanson Ki Mala’ by Hindu mystic Meerabai, a piece popularised internationally by the legendary King of Qawwali, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948-1997).
Speaking about the project, Kiani shared: “‘Hayat’ is my humble tribute to the genre of Qawwali and the legends who brought life and immortality to it.
Through these songs, I hope to connect audiences with the spiritual essence and timeless beauty of Qawwali, while also celebrating the unity it fosters across cultures and generations.”
‘Hayat’s’ release coincides with Kiani’s continued efforts to expand the reach of Pakistani music on the global stage. Blending the traditional with the contemporary, Hadiqa Kiani creates an everlasting impact through her music.
