ZAINAB casts a spell with debut single ‘Jadoo’

Technicolor release signals a fresh Pakistani voice in dance music

Lahore-born, New York-raised producer ZAINAB has released her debut single ‘Jadoo’, marking her first outing on Ninja Tune’s Technicolor imprint and signalling a confident entry into the global electronic music scene. The track blends Urdu vocals with kinetic, arpeggiated house production, offering what has been described as a “springtime rush of dopamine”. It is the first in a series of upcoming releases under the Technicolor banner, known for spotlighting forward-facing dance music.

Speaking about the release, ZAINAB said she felt “honoured” to debut on the label, adding that she had long admired its role in pushing “new and exciting sounds” within electronic music.

Previously known for her work as a DJ in New York City, she also underscored the significance of singing in Urdu, calling it her native language and noting its absence in the global dance landscape.

ZAINAB has built a reputation for high-energy sets shaped by diverse cultural influences. With ‘Jadoo’, she transitions into recorded output, combining those global sensibilities into a more defined and personal sonic identity.

Beyond performance, ZAINAB has positioned herself as a curator and cultural advocate, championing South Asian representation within electronic music. She has shared stages with artists including Ali Sethi, Elyanna and Ahadadream, while headlining tours across North America and Europe.

Her broader vision extends to community-building initiatives such as her party series and forthcoming label Azadi, aimed at creating inclusive dance spaces where identity and sound intersect.

ZAINAB is set to perform headline shows at New York’s Public Records this month, followed by a back-to-back set at the DoLab stage at Coachella, further cementing her emergence as a rising voice in international electronic music.