Pakistani classical singer Mai Dhai was recently featured on the Times Square billboard in New York city, making her the latest celebrity from the country to be advertised on the iconic billboard.
Times Square, situated at the heart of New York City, is one of the most heavily trafficked places in the world. It is renowned for its iconic digital billboards and advertisements which showcase images of celebrities and a wide array of prominent brands. It is recognized as
Mai Dhai, a septuagenarian singer who hails from Pakistan’s southern Tharparkar district famous for its desert landscape and cultural diversity, belongs to the Manganhar Muslim community.
Mai Dhai has earned the distinction of being the first regional artist to be selected as the ambassador for the signature program for women artists.
She is also the first EQUAL PK ambassador for the year 2024 to be featured on the iconic Times Square, New York billboard. The EQUAL Pakistan initiative by Spotify is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women artists and promoting gender equality in the music industry.
“Koyal jaisi awaaz pohanchi seedha Times Square [A voice like that of the cuckoo reaches Times Square directly],” Spotify Pakistan posted on Instagram, sharing a picture of Dhai at a vertical billboard on Times Square. “Listen to Mai Dhai on the #EQUALPAKISTAN playlist.”
By spotlighting Mai Dhai, Spotify not only celebrates her enduring contributions to music, but also underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting regional artists.
Her music, characterized by its folk melodies and deep-rooted cultural essence, resonates across borders, particularly in top countries such as India, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Bangladesh.
Mai Dhai’s musical journey has transcended regional boundaries. With a rich legacy in traditional folk music, she has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of her homeland. Mai Dhai’s rise to fame was significantly bolstered by her participation in the eighth season of Pakistan’s beloved music series, Coke Studio. Her powerful performances have captivated audiences nationwide, solidifying her status as a cultural icon and a cherished voice in the Pakistani music industry.
Hasan Raheem and Grammy-winning singer Arooj Aftab were also among those Pakistanis featured on the Times Square billboard previously.