Maha Ali Kazmi
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Maha Ali Kazmi مہا علی کاظمی | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2013–present |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Maha Ali Kazmi (Urdu: مہا علی کاظمی) is a Pakistani singer-songwriter[1] who was born and grew up in Karachi[2] and is of Kashmiri descent.[3] She completed her higher education from Monash University, Melbourne Australia,[4] and upon returning to Pakistan she began her musical career as the back-up vocalist for Cornetto Music Icons in 2013.[5] She released her debut single "Nazar" soon after.[6]
Maha trained under the tutelage of Ustaad Rauf Saami from 2015 to 2016 and subsequently under Abdullah Haroon from 2017 to 2024, who himself is a disciple of the esteemed Ustad Rasees Khan.[7] Maha has delved into both Eastern and Western musical influences, showcasing versatility in her repertoire. She also took contemporary Western vocal training in Singapore.
Additionally, Maha's journey in the arts has been shaped by her heritage as a descendant of Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Oudh, renowned for his support of art and dance.[7] Exploring various forms of expression, she has received training in Kathak classical dance under the guidance of Sheema Kermani and Alaina Roy.[7][1][8]
Early life[edit]
Maha Ali Kazmi was born in Karachi, Pakistan to Ali Asghar Raza, a civil engineer of Kashmiri descent and Fatima Ali Asghar.[9] Music is a heritage passed down to her from the Hindustani classical artist Wajid Ali Shah, the ancestor from her mother's side.[9]
Maha Ali Kazmi is the great-granddaughter of Prince Abbas Mirza (1904-1976), grandson of the last king of India, King Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.[9] Music is a heritage passed down to her from the Hindustani classical artist Wajid Ali Shah, the ancestor from her mother's side.[9]
Career[edit]
Maha Ali Kazmi started singing and joined her very first underground band at the age of 16 in Karachi[5] However, after graduating high school she decided to pursue her education and moved to Melbourne.[2]
Upon completion of her studies she returned to Karachi soon after which she auditioned for Cornetto Music Icons and thereupon ex- Vital Signs' Shahi Hasan selected her as a backup vocalist for the show which was aired on ARY Digital.[5] This experience gave her exposure to working alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry in Pakistan, namely Rahat Fateh Ali, Ali Azmat, Strings and Alamgir to name a few.[1]
She released her debut single, Nazar, produced by Farhad Humayun, the front man and drummer of Lahore based band Overload in 2013.[2]
Her second single Jana Nahi, produced by Shahi Hasan was released in 2014.[10]
She has since released a number of singles which have been very well received[11] including a collaboration with guitar maestro Aamir Zaki in the form of a song called Aaj Sun Ke Tumara Naam which was released on his one-month death anniversary as a tribute to the Pakistani guitarist.[12] Maha Ali Kazmi is a Kashmiri state subject.[13]
In 2020, Maha Ali Kazmi featured in We Are One (global collaboration song) produced by Kashan Admani.[14] We Are One featured 40 artists from 7 countries all coming together to give a message of hope during Covid-19 Pandemic.[15][16]
In 2024, Maha Ali Kazmi released her latest single "Fanaa," composing both the lyrics and tune. She collaborated with renowned musician Meekal Hasan Band for its production at Digital Fidelity Studios in Lahore.[7]
Advocacy and Activism[edit]
Maha Ali Kazmi is not only recognized for her musical talents but also for her advocacy work in promoting gender equality and women's rights.[7] In 2023, Kazmi joined the #MeToo movement, bravely speaking out against harassment and shedding light on gender discrimination prevalent in the workplace.[17] She has been vocal about her experiences and has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of creating safe and inclusive work environments for all.[8] Kazmi's stance against harassment at the workplace has garnered attention in the media, solidifying her reputation as a fearless advocate for change.[18] She continues to use her voice and influence to advocate for women's rights and to challenge societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence against women.[19][8][7]
Discography[edit]
Singles[edit]
| Year | Song |
|---|---|
| 2013 | "Nazar"[9] |
| 2014 | "Jana Nahin"[20] |
| 2017 | "Summer Nights"[21][22] |
| 2017 | "Aaj Sun Ke Tumhara Naam"(feat. Aamir Zaki)[23] |
| 2018 | "Sitaron Ki Khoj"[11] |
| 2020 | "Falling Now"(Kadla & Maha Ali Kazmi)[24] |
| 2023 | "City Lights"[25] |
| 2024 | "Fanaa"[8]</ref>[7] |
Covers[edit]
- "Bhool Na (Original song by Pakistani band Sequencers") (2015)
- Sahibo - Acoustic Station (2019)
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "How to monetize music? Maha Ali Kazmi". The Nation. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "'Love those who can love back with equal intensity'". Gulf Times. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "Cinema Superfast September 15", India Today, India, 15 September 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ Afzal, Asfia. "Maha Ali Kazmi set to release her second single 'Jana Nahi' on Eid-ul-Fitr!", Business Recorder, Pakistan, 25 July 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ a b c Correspondent, Our (17 December 2014). "Keeping up with the pace of time". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "Why Maha Ali Kazmi is in news", The Economic Times, India, 22 September 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g Rehmat, Kamran (2 May 2024). "Pakistani singer pitches new single with matching verve". Gulf Times. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d Pandey, Aditi (28 April 2024). "Dancing on Madhuri songs inspired me to sing: Pakistani Singer Maha Ali Kazmi". THE NEW INDIAN. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Kashmiri girl rocks in Pakistan". The Times of India. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Syed, Madeeha. "Song release: Maha Ali Kazmi presents Jana Nahi", Dawn News, Pakistan, 30 July 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ a b "Motivation gushes in Maha Ali's inspiring song Sitaron ki Khoj". Daily Pakistan Global. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "The real Aamir Zaki exists in live sessions, not in cassettes, CDs or mp3 files: Maha Ali Kazmi", Dawn News, Pakistan, 7 July 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ "A Pakistani in Kashmir". Business Recorder. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
- ^ "Kashan Admani unites local artistes with Grammy winners for new song". The Express Tribune. 2 May 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "One Love | Instep | thenews.com.pk". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "'Shared destiny' at heart of We Are One global pitch". Gulf-Times (in Arabic). 4 June 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ Sultan, Asfa (20 April 2023). "Maha Ali Kazmi accuses Ali Noor of professional misconduct". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Desk, Entertainment (15 May 2023). "Maha Ali Kazmi serves legal notice to Ali Noor". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Correspondent, Our (7 March 2024). "Maha Ali Kazmi slams Ahmad Ali Butt after Ali Noor podcast". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Rehmat, Kamran. "A philosophic rendition", The Gulf Times, Qatar, 2 October 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ Agha, Saira. "Maha Ali Kazmi releases her latest single 'Summer nights'", Gulf News, Pakistan, 21 February 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ "Maha releases latest single summer nights", The Nation, Pakistan, 18 February 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ Omer, Eeshah. "Aaj Sun Ke Tumhara Naam: Aamir Zaki's last staging", Daily Pakistan, Pakistan, 7 July 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
- ^ Qamar, Aline. " In conversation: Maha Ali Kazmi talks about Falling Now", Mag The Weekly, Pakistan, 25 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ^ "Singer Maha Ali Kazmi recently released her new single ‘City Lights’", Mag The Weekly, Pakistan, 15 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.