From Tharparkar to Times Square: Mai Dhai’s journey celebrated on global stage

Folk singer Mai Dhai, a renowned figure from the deserts of Tharparkar, has reached a new milestone by being featured on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York City.
Times Square is well-known for its famous digital billboards and commercials, which include pictures of notable celebrities and a variety of well-known brands. It is acknowledged as one of the world’s busiest travel destinations. 
 
Mai Dhai belongs to the Manganhar Muslim community, known for its rich musical heritage in Pakistan’s Tharparkar district and India’s Rajasthan state.
 
Since her breakthrough appearance at the 2013 Lahooti Live Sessions, her unique look and soulful voice have captured the attention of audiences worldwide. With her appearances at the prestigious SXSW Music Festival in 2015 and the City University Graduate Centre in New York, Mai Dhai’s global profile increased even further.
 
Dhai unexpectedly rose to fame in Pakistan in 2016 after making her Coke Studio season 8 debut and receiving critical acclaim for ‘Aankhaṛli Phaṛookai’ and ‘Kadi Ao Ni,’ which featured Karam Abbas Khan and Atif Aslam.
 
The official account of Spotify Pakistan posted a picture of Mai Dhai with the captioned, #Koyal jaisi awaaz pohanchi seedha Times Square 💚
Listen to @MaiDhai_Official on the #EQUALPakistan playlist👆
  Another singer from Pakistan, Talal Qureshi, was featured on a Spotify billboard at Times Square in October 2023. Spotify promoted his album ‘Turbo’, showcasing his blend of contemporary techno sounds and traditional Pakistani music.

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