Hadiqa Kiani releases new Qawwali project ‘Hayat’ 

Image: Asif Azam

Pakistani singer Hadiqa Kiani is set to release her latest project, Hayat (‘Life’), on 24 January, 2025, under the Sufiscore record label. The album is a tribute to the iconic figures of Qawwali, including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the Sabri Brothers, and marks Kiani’s continued exploration of the genre.

Known for her versatile career spanning pop, folk, and Sufi music, Kiani has made significant strides in the Qawwali tradition, following her viral Qawwali Jannay Iss Dil. With Hayat, she revisits traditional Qawwali compositions while incorporating her own artistic touch. The project features renditions of classic songs, blending both contemporary and traditional elements to honour the genre’s deep emotional and spiritual resonance.

The album includes two tracks dedicated to Pakistan’s prominent poets. “Paisa Bolta Hai,” a poem by Sail Azad, addresses societal and economic themes, with a melody written by the Sabri Brothers. Kiani has added her own melody to the piece. The second track, “Dil Lagi” by Purnam Allahbadi, delves into themes of love and devotion. Additionally, Kiani covers the 16th-century poem “Saanson Ki Mala” by the Hindu mystic Meerabai, which was popularised by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Kiani shared her thoughts on the project, stating that Hayat is a tribute to the Qawwali tradition and the figures who have immortalised it. “Through these songs, I hope to connect audiences with the spiritual essence and timeless beauty of Qawwali,” she said.

The music videos for Hayat will be available exclusively on Sufiscore’s YouTube channel throughout 2025, providing fans with a chance to experience the full project. The album’s release also continues Kiani’s efforts to elevate Pakistani music on the global stage.