Jani Door Gaye: Hadiqa Kiani’s new record is an ode to the iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

The singer’s newest release doesn’t disappoint

Hadiqa Kiani's latest offering Jani Door Gaye is a musical exploration steeped in the rich tradition of Hindustani classical Raga Bilawal. This morning Raga, traditionally performed during the hotter months, has long been synonymous with devotion and spiritual transcendence. However, Kiani's rendition takes a different path, steering away from the transcendental connection that has characterized this Raga's history.

In Jani Door Gaye, the Boohey Barian singer takes the mysticism of Raga Bilawal and transforms it into a more personal narrative. Unlike the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who elevated the musical arts to symbolize the profound Sufi tariqa, Kiani's interpretation instead serves as a complementary soundtrack to a visually stunning yet somewhat stereotypical video.

Nonetheless, judged on its own merit, the song offers a profound narrative of love's separation - a disconnection that may feel eternal. It evokes a sense of grief, which in turn cradles the larger thought of unification with the divine. However, it's worth noting that the context in the song only grazes the surface of the theory of unification, never delving deep into this profound concept.

Kiani's production of the song pays homage to the ethos of old-school Qawwali. With psychedelic hand claps and tabla beats gracefully floating atop dry atmospheric harmonium drones, the song creates an immersion that is both traditional and contemporary. This fusion of classic elements with a modern twist provides a unique backdrop for Kiani's emotive vocals, which beautifully convey the heart-wrenching theme of separation.

The music video features Hania Amir and Wahaj Ali, their on-screen chemistry playing well with the song’s mood. There is some clichéd symbolism throughout the video such as wedding day melancholia and Kiani’s gesture of holding a pigeon. While these visuals are effective, they tend to be somewhat conventional in capturing the song's themes.

One of the most potent and nuanced visual elements within the music video is the incorporation of henna, which serves to symbolize the dualistic nature of the universe, reminiscent of the yin and yang concept. This subtle layer of imagery adds depth and complexity to the video, elevating its visual storytelling and enhancing the overall narrative of the song.

In Jani Door Gaye, Kiani's musical prowess shines through as she artfully blends the spiritual essence of Raga Bilawal with a personal touch. While it may not reach the spiritual heights of NFAK's Sufi music, this song is a moving exploration of love and separation with a traditional-meets-modern musical composition

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