In the quiet hours of a Sunday evening, the world of music lost a luminous star. Haniya Aslam, a visionary Pakistani musician, producer, and composer, succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy bigger than borders and genres. Her untimely passing at the age of 39 is at once shocking and profoundly saddening and has cast a long shadow over the thriving scene of South Asian music.
Born in the city of Kohat, from an early age, Haniya absorbed the diverse musical traditions of her homeland, a foundation that would later inform her unique artistic voice. It was as an intern for the renowned guitarist and producer Mekaal Hasan that Haniya first glimpsed the world of professional music-making. Little did anyone know that this wide-eyed intern would soon become a transformative force in the industry.
How it began
The year 2001 marked a turning point in Haniya's career and in Pakistani music. With her cousin Zeb Bangash, she released Chup, a song that would become the cornerstone of their musical partnership. As Zeb and Haniya, the duo crafted a sound that was at once deeply rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary. Their music spoke to a generation of listeners yearning for authenticity in an increasingly globalised world.
It was on the hallowed stage of Coke Studio that Zeb and Haniya truly came into their own. Their renditions of Chal Diye and Laili Jaan became instant classics, their melodies winding their way into the collective consciousness of a nation. Haniya's guitar work, both intricate and emotive, provided the perfect counterpoint to Zeb's haunting vocals. Together, they created music that was more than mere entertainment but became a bridge between past and present.
In 2014, at the height of their success, Haniya made the courageous decision to step away from the limelight. She journeyed to Canada to pursue further education in audio engineering, a move that spoke volumes about her dedication to her craft. This period of self-imposed exile was not an end, but a chrysalis from which Haniya would emerge with even greater depth and technical mastery.
Upon her return to Pakistan, Haniya's music took on new dimensions. Her solo track Ayi Re revealed an artist who had grown not just in skill, but in soul. Her return to Coke Studio with Main Irada, a collaboration with Rachel Viccaji, was a powerful statement of intent. Here was an artist using her platform to speak to the pressing issues of her time, proving that music could be both beautiful and meaningful.
Remembering Haniya
Haniya's talents extended far beyond the recording studio. Her work in film music, composing for movies like Lala Begum and Dobara Phir Se, showcased her ability to enhance storytelling through sound. Each score was a masterclass in subtlety and emotional resonance, proving that Haniya understood the delicate art of supporting narrative without overshadowing it.
The outpouring of grief that followed the news of Haniya's passing is a testament to the impact she had on those around her. Colleagues and fans alike shared stories not just of her musical brilliance, but of her kindness, her humility, and her unwavering commitment to her art.
Her cousin and longtime musical partner, Zeb, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, posting a series of touching photographs with the simple caption "Hanini." The comments section quickly filled with condolences and memories from fans and fellow artists alike.
Radio host and television presenter Sophiya Anjam shared a heartfelt message: "My dearest Zeb, I am so, so sorry. Haniya was a brilliant artist, a warm soul and loved/respected by many. She has left memories for us all to cherish. I cannot even imagine the pain of her loved ones in this terribly difficult time, can only make dua that may Allah make it easy. Sending you love and deepest condolences. Her music and spirit shall always be celebrated."
Mekaal Hasan, who played a pivotal role in Haniya's early career, expressed his devastation, saying, "This is just devastating. Haniya, you know how much I loved you, my sweetest friend. I'm so blessed to have spent so many moments with you. Rest in peace my dearest. We are all heartbroken."
Musician Yasir Jaswal took to IG with a long, emotional note: "I'll never forget the first time we met in the artist lounge. The room felt different that day. Your warmth, kindness, and pure energy filled the space."
He added, "A beautiful, pure-hearted soul. The humility and simplicity with which you carried yourself, combined with the genius of your music, created an aura that was truly special, one I'll never forget. Rest in Peace Haniya. Thank you for sharing your light with us."
Filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar, who collaborated with Haniya on several projects including Daam, Lala Begum, Dobara Phir Se and Farar, shared a touching tribute: "I don't know where to begin. I could speak of the music she produced, the songs she sang, and how Zeb and Haniya as a band brought joy and pathos to me and so many others. [...] Beyond her artistic gifts, she was such a soft-spoken, non-judgmental, kind, endlessly curious, and loving person."
Expressing her shock over Haniya's sudden passing, Jabbar added, "It feels so unfair to be deprived of her presence. There was so much more she had to give, but she also left us with so much to cherish and celebrate. Haniya you will be missed so much you have no idea but I hope you do whenever you are."
Rup Magon of the band Josh paid the late singer a tribute in their Instagram Stories."Today, our music fraternity lost an incredible artist and soul. You will never be forgotten Haniya. Rest in peace."
Unfinished melodies
Indian lyricist-singer Swanand Kirkire, who was collaborating with Haniya on an album, spoke of their shared bond and the terrible loss of leaving their work unfinished. "My dearest Haniya Aslam is no more. She suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away peacefully last night. We shared a special bond when we collaborated on The Dewarists' Kya Khayal Hai." He continued, "Haniya, we will see you on the other side. Until then, your sweet voice and melodious guitar riffs will continue to play in our ears, reminding us of the terrible loss of losing you."
Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao also expressed her shock and condolences under Kirkire's IG post. "I can't believe it. RIP, dearest Haniya," she commented, joined by Ankur Tewari and Roshan Abbas.
Perhaps Haniya's greatest legacy lies in the doors she opened for others. In a field often dominated by men, she encapsulated hope for young women in Pakistan with dreams of pursuing careers in music and audio production. Her success was a powerful reminder that talent and determination could overcome even the most entrenched societal barriers.
As we bid farewell to this musical luminary, we take solace in the rich legacy she leaves behind and celebrate the joy she brought to the world through her music and strive to keep her spirit of creativity, kindness, and passion alive in our own lives. Her passing is not just a loss for the Pakistani music industry, but for the global community of music lovers who were touched by her art. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her music continue to live on in our hearts.
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