Nazia Hassan, Queen of South Asian pop music, will be featured in New York’s Times Square on her 22nd death anniversary.
Her picture will be displayed at Time Square as she is the brand ambassador of Spotify for August. She is the face of Spotify’s global EQUAL initiative and is leading Spotify’s EQUAL playlist. Her iconic song ‘Boom Boom’ is also highlighted in the list this month. Spotify launched the program earlier this year to recognize female voices and give them equal space. Several Pakistani singers have been featured in the list including versatile singer Hadiqa Kiani. Other Pakistani singers include budding artists Mehak Ali, Natasha Baig, and Arooj Aftab.
“Nazia Hassan is a name synonymous with finesse and soulful rhymes. Her influence on the subcontinent continues to be emulated and admired until this day, even after her passing. Making her debut with the song Aap Jaisa Koi in 1980, she and her brother Zoheb Hassan have sold more than 65 million records worldwide. Having won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer at 15 in 1981, she remains the first Pakistani and the youngest recipient of the accolade to date,” stated a press release issued by the music streaming platform.
Nazia Hassan with her versatile music did not only become the face of Pakistan but also revolutionized the pop music in South Asia. Her songs echoed in the Bollywood and topped the music charts globally.
Read more: Atif Aslam makes to Spotify list of US politician Ilhan Omar
It further added, “As the world celebrates the 22nd anniversary of her passing on Aug 13, EQUAL Pakistan remembers her profound impact on Pakistan’s music ecosystem. With her brother Zoheb Hassan, Nazia holds enormous respect and affection for her music and her contributions to social causes.”
Her brother Zoheb Hussain commenting on the inclusion of Nazia Hassan said: “I’d like to thank Spotify for nominating my sister Nazia Hassan as the EQUAL Ambassador for Pakistan and Global. As kids, we’ve been sincere in our art and music. When we started, we filled the void for pop music for youngsters at a time when folk and traditional music dominated the music scene across South Asia. Our music eventually transcended the world, proving that music does not have any boundaries. It is also important for artists to use their popularity for social changes as we tried when we were young, from looking after the environment to advocating peace.”