Haniya Aslam from Pakistan-based musical duo Zeb and Haniya passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Sunday. Zeb & Haniya, the country’s first all-woman band, were propelled to widespread fame through their performance of Chal Diye on MTV's Coke Studio. The duo, who were active for seven years before Haniya moved to Canada to pursue a solo career, combined pop with art folk and sang in multiple languages like Pashto, Urdu, Dari and Turkish. Her cousin and musical partner, Zeb Bangash, confirmed the tragic news of Haniya’s death on social media. The post was flooded with heartfelt messages of condolence from fellow artists and fans alike, expressing their shock and grief at the loss of the talented musician.
Born in Lahore, Haniya's childhood was often spent in Kohat with her extended family in Pakistan. These early experiences would later infuse her music with a diverse range of cultural influences, especially Pashto music that she and her cousin Zeb would witness at home. Her journey into the music world began as an intern for the renowned Mekaal Hasan. But it was in partnership with her cousin, Zeb Bangash, that Haniya truly found her voice.
Their collaboration, born out of shared dreams and a deep-rooted connection, gave birth to a musical phenomenon. Their songs, which blended traditional Eastern folk melodies with a Western pop sound, became a sensation both in in and outside the country. Their Coke Studio performances, particularly the electrifying rendition of Paimana Bitte, catapulted them to stardom, making them icons of a new generation.
Haniya's musical journey was marked by a constant evolution. Seeking to expand her horizons, she left the duo to pursue an Audio Engineering Diploma in Canada. This sojourn, while geographically distant, deepened her connection to her roots. Her music, upon her return, sweetened even further this enriched perspective. Beyond her musical prowess, Haniya was a champion of women's empowerment.
Her collaboration with Rachel Viccaji on the powerful anthem Main Irada, inspired by Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman, was a clarion call for women to embrace their strength. Her work extended beyond the stage, as she contributed her musical genius to the world of cinema, composing scores for films that touched hearts and minds. The most notable instance of this was when she worked with AR Rahman on the track, Sooha Saaha, from the 2014 film Highway.
Haniya Aslam was a visionary, a cultural ambassador, and a role model. She was part of a movement that defined an era in Pakistani music for an entire gneration. With her musical partner by her side, she performed all over the world, including India in 2012. The tributes and loving messages from musicians around the world speak to the impact she had over the course of her career.
Her departure is an immense loss to world music and leaves behind an immensely rich legacy of sublime artistry, courage, and unwavering passion.
Listen to one of Zeb & Haniya's Coke Studio performances below:
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