World folk
Haniya Aslam is a Pakistani-Canadian singer, composer, musician, and producer. Dubbed a “songwriter extraordinaire”, Haniya’s childhood was filled with diverse musical influences, ranging from Pakistani folk and Qawwali to classic rock and Turkish funk. In 2007, Haniya formed the band “Zeb and Haniya” with bandmate Zeb Bangash, going on to achieve international recognition with their debut album, ‘Chup’. A year after its release, Chup, was singled out by Time Magazine Asia: “…In their debut album, Zeb and Haniya produce a complex sound that has hints of Dylan yet still calls itchy feet to the dance floor” (Asia Edition, 23rd February 2009).
As a composer and producer, Haniya brings together musical styles and genres effortlessly, “blending the sophistication of jazz and blues with eastern mystical Sufi and folk.” (Arab Times, Kuwait, February 9th, 2009). Her musical journey has taken her through Pakistani pop and folk, Indian classical and film music, Central Asian folk, Turkish pop, West African blues, bossa nova, classic rock, folk electronica. After touring with her band internationally, Haniya now brings her innovative and unique style of song writing and production to Toronto.