Category: Performing
Country: Pakistan

About

Haniya Aslam and her cousin Zebunissa Bangash are internationally known as Zeb and Haniya, Pakistan’s first all-female music group. Their debut album Chup, a collection of 10 songs, was met with rave reviews from Pakistan’s major newspapers. They are from the Northwest Frontier Province, an area that is widely synonymous with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Through their music, a blend of eastern and western influences, they present a different image of their homeland. Paimona, a Pashtun love ballad set to the sound of blues, is one of the best illustrations of their unique style. Although they are not involved in politics, Zeb and Haniya feel it important to dispel stereotypes about their country abroad. ¹

In the band, Haniya is the main songwriter and provides some vocals, while Zeb is the lead vocalist. While completing their album Chup the duo were helped greatly by local musicians. After the album’s release, Zeb and Haniya received praise by young Pashtuns for promoting their culture. Haniya has said that her family was a big influence on Zeb and Haniya’s musical development. Her father was always very enthusiastic about music, and everyone in her family plays an instrument.  Her grandmother was a poet and spoke three languages fluently.  ²

Deutsche Welles has described Zeb and Haniya as “among the most innovative musicians in Pakistan.”  ³ To date they have performed in Pakistan, Malaysia, Italy, France, and at music festivals in the United States and Norway. Their music, with its variety of sound and language – Pushto, Urdu, Dari and Turkish – has been claimed by a diversity of audiences. ⁴

In addition to her talents as a musician, Haniya is also a photographer. Through her photographs she captures the beauty of Pakistan and everyday life. Her work includes pictures entitled Afternoon in Jinnah Bagh, Early Morning Lahore, Lahore Fort Façade, Baadshai Masjid Gallery, Pakistan Today and Vespa Gone Native.  ⁵

[1] “Pakistani Girl Band Creates a Stir,” BBC.

[2] ibid.

[3] Zeb and Haniya’s Official Website.

[4] ibid.

[5] Haniya Aslam’s Photography.