Pakistan's Haniya, who sang in 'Highway,' succumbs to cardiac arrest
Haniya Aslam, a renowned Pakistani musician and one-half of the popular all-woman band Zeb and Haniya, passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Sunday night. She was 39. Haniya and her cousin Zeb were recognized for their groundbreaking work as Pakistan's first all-woman band. They gained significant recognition following their performance on Coke Studio with Rohail Hayat. They also collaborated on Indian films like Highway and Madras Cafe. May she rest in peace.
Haniya's early life and introduction to Pashto music
Haniya was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan. She spent her early years in the city but frequently visited family in Kohat, a small town in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite the region's association with insurgency and terror due to its proximity to Afghanistan, it was here that Haniya and Zeb were introduced to Pashto music through folk songs sung by their parents and grandparents.
Haniya and Zeb's musical journey in the US
Per reports, both Haniya and Zeb pursued their studies in Massachusetts, USA; Haniya at Smiths and Zeb at Mount Holyoke College, respectively. During this period, they often explored music together to combat homesickness. Their musical explorations led them to an abandoned room in Zeb's basement where they began jamming together. This marked the beginning of their musical journey as a duo.
Debut album and rise to fame
Their collaboration resulted in Chup in 2008—the duo's debut album that made waves across Pakistan. Following the radio play of their songs, they were invited to perform on Coke Studio. Their performance led to widespread popularity not only in Pakistan but also across the border in India. Zeb and Haniya traveled the world and collaborated with renowned artists, including AR Rahman, on the song Sooha Saaha from Highway, starring Alia Bhatt.
Haniya's career after Zeb and Haniya
Despite touring with Zeb for some time after their success on Coke Studio, Haniya decided to leave the band to study audio engineering in Canada. She returned to Pakistan years later and created Main Irada with Ali Hamza for the 11th Season of Coke Studio in 2018. The song was inspired by Maya Angelou's poem, Phenomenal Woman. Many artists and fans are mourning her loss and have expressed their condolences on social media.
