Maha Ali Kazmi

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Maha Ali Kazmi
مہا علی کاظمی
BornKarachi, Pakistan
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
Years active2013–present
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals

Maha Ali Kazmi (Urdu: مہا علی کاظمی) is a Pakistani singer-songwriter[1] who was born and grew up in Karachi[2] and is of Kashmiri descent.[3] She completed her higher education from Monash University, Melbourne Australia,[4] and upon returning to Pakistan she began her musical career as the back-up vocalist for Cornetto Music Icons in 2013.[5] She released her debut single "Nazar" soon after.[6] Maha Ali Kazmi is a Kashmiri state subject.[7]

Maha trained under the tutelage of Ustaad Rauf Saami from 2015 to 2016 and subsequently under Abdullah Haroon from 2017 to 2024, who himself is a disciple of the esteemed Ustad Rasees Khan, and she additionally took training in western contempory singing in Singapore.[8]

Additionally, Maha's journey in the arts has been shaped by her heritage as a descendant of Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Oudh, renowned for his support of art and dance, thus exploring various forms of expression, she has received training in Kathak classical dance under the guidance of Sheema Kermani and Alaina Roy.[8]

Early life

Maha Ali Kazmi was born in Karachi, Pakistan to Ali Asghar Raza, a civil engineer of Kashmiri descent and Fatima Ali Asghar.[9] Music is a heritage passed down to her from the Hindustani classical artist Wajid Ali Shah, the ancestor from her mother's side.[9]

Maha Ali Kazmi is the great-granddaughter of Prince Abbas Mirza (1904-1976), grandson of the last king of India, King Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh, and her great-grand mother, Masooma (Ara) Mirza, hailed from the royal family of Purnia.[9] Music is a heritage passed down to her from the Hindustani classical artist Wajid Ali Shah, the ancestor from her mother's side.[9]

Career

Maha Ali Kazmi started singing and joined her very first underground band at the age of 16 in Karachi[5] However, after graduating high school she decided to pursue her education and moved to Melbourne.[2]

Upon completion of her studies she returned to Karachi soon after which she auditioned for Cornetto Music Icons and thereupon ex- Vital Signs' Shahi Hasan selected her as a backup vocalist for the show which was aired on ARY Digital.[5] This experience gave her exposure to working alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry in Pakistan, namely Rahat Fateh Ali, Ali Azmat, Strings and Alamgir to name a few.[1]

She released her debut single, Nazar, produced by Farhad Humayun, the front man and drummer of Lahore based band Overload in 2013.[2]

Her second single Jana Nahi, produced by Shahi Hasan was released in 2014.[10]

She has since released a number of singles [11] including a collaboration with guitar maestro Aamir Zaki in the form of a song called Aaj Sun Ke Tumara Naam which was released on his one-month death anniversary as a tribute to the Pakistani guitarist.[12]

Maha Ali Kazmi released her first song in the Kashmiri language, a cover titled 'Sahibo,' in 2019, marking her debut in her ancestral language.[13]

In 2020, Maha Ali Kazmi featured in We Are One (global collaboration song).[14] We Are One featured 40 artists from 7 countries all coming together to give a message of hope during Covid-19 Pandemic.[15][16] The song also featured Grammy Award-winning American violinist Charlie Bisharat, who has earlier played for the soundtracks of countless Hollywood movies including Titanic and Transformers; Grammy nominee Simon Philips; bass virtuoso Stu Hamm; and percussionist Gumbi Ortiz from the US, to name a few.[17]

In 2024, Maha Ali Kazmi released her latest single "Fanaa," composing both the lyrics and tune. She collaborated with renowned musician Meekal Hasan Band for its production at Digital Fidelity Studios in Lahore.[8]

Advocacy and activism

Maha Ali Kazmi is not only recognized for her music but also for her advocacy work in promoting gender equality and women's rights.[8] In 2023, Kazmi joined the #MeToo movement, bravely speaking out against harassment and shedding light on gender discrimination prevalent in the workplace.[18] She has been vocal about her experiences and has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of creating safe and inclusive work environments for all.[19] Kazmi's stance against harassment at the workplace has garnered attention in the media, solidifying her reputation as a fearless advocate for change.[20] She continues to use her voice and influence to advocate for women's rights and to challenge societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence against women.[21][19][8]

Controversy

Maha Ali Kazmi has been associated with controversy on various occasions. In 2023, during a Coke Studio Pakistan Season 9 audition, Kazmi alleged instances of harassment and professional misconduct involving a member of the Noori band [22]. These allegations prompted discussions regarding workplace ethics and conduct within the music industry and social media including but not limited to Social Diary - the Sunday Magazine for Pakistan Observer.[23]

In 2024, Kazmi made public accusations of sexual harassment against actor/host Ahmad Ali Butt and musician Zohaib Kazi. [24] These claims further ignited conversations about the prevalence of misconduct and abuse of power within the entertainment sector. [25] Maha Ali Kazmi's accusations sparked significant debate, with both support and backlash evident on social media platforms, including instances of trolling.[26] She was the second woman to come forward with allegations of harassment against Ali Noor, a member of the Noori band, followed by Ayesha Binte Rashid, the first victim, who had previously made similar allegations.[27]

Furthermore, Kazmi pursued legal action by filing a case of harassment against Ali Noor with the ombudsman in Karachi, Sindh.[28] which was a move that underscored the importance of addressing such issues through formal channels. These incidents have prompted broader discussions about fostering safe and respectful environments within the music and entertainment industries.[19]

Discography

Singles

Year Song
2013 "Nazar"[9]
2014 "Jana Nahin"[29]
2017 "Summer Nights"[30][31]
2017 "Aaj Sun Ke Tumhara Naam"(feat. Aamir Zaki)[32]
2018 "Sitaron Ki Khoj"[11]
2020 "Falling Now"(Kadla & Maha Ali Kazmi)[33]
2023 "City Lights"[34]
2024 "Fanaa"[19][8]

Covers

References

  1. ^ a b "How to monetize music? Maha Ali Kazmi". The Nation. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "'Love those who can love back with equal intensity'". Gulf Times. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Cinema Superfast September 15". India Today. 15 September 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  4. ^ Afzal, Asfia (25 July 2014). "Maha Ali Kazmi set to release her second single 'Jana Nahi' on Eid-ul-Fitr!". Brecorder. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Correspondent, Our (17 December 2014). "Keeping up with the pace of time". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Why Maha Ali Kazmi is in news". The Economic Times. 22 September 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  7. ^ "A Pakistani in Kashmir". Business Recorder. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Rehmat, Kamran (2 May 2024). "Pakistani singer pitches new single with matching verve". Gulf Times. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Kashmiri girl rocks in Pakistan". The Times of India. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  10. ^ Syed, Madeeha.“Song release: Maha Ali Kazmi presents Jana Nahi, Dawn News, Pakistan, 30 July 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Motivation gushes in Maha Ali's inspiring song Sitaron ki Khoj". Daily Pakistan Global. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  12. ^ Staff, Images (7 July 2017). "The real Aamir Zaki exists in live sessions, not in cassettes, CDs or mp3 files: Maha Kazmi". Images. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  13. ^ Baji, Band.“SOUNDSCAPE: THE KASHMIR CONNECTION", Dawn News, Pakistan, 5 January 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Kashan Admani unites local artistes with Grammy winners for new song". The Express Tribune. 2 May 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  15. ^ "One Love". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  16. ^ "'Shared destiny' at heart of We Are One global pitch". Gulf-Times (in Arabic). 4 June 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  17. ^ "'Shared destiny' at heart of We Are One global pitch". Gulf-Times (in Arabic). 4 June 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  18. ^ Sultan, Asfa (20 April 2023). "Maha Ali Kazmi accuses Ali Noor of professional misconduct". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  19. ^ a b c d Pandey, Aditi (28 April 2024). "Dancing on Madhuri songs inspired me to sing: Pakistani Singer Maha Ali Kazmi". THE NEW INDIAN. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  20. ^ Desk, Entertainment (15 May 2023). "Maha Ali Kazmi serves legal notice to Ali Noor". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  21. ^ Correspondent, Our (7 March 2024). "Maha Ali Kazmi slams Ahmad Ali Butt after Ali Noor podcast". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  22. ^ Sultan, Asfa (20 April 2023). "Maha Ali Kazmi accuses Ali Noor of professional misconduct". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  23. ^ Ariff, Sana.[ https://socialdiary.pk/maha-ali-kazmi-reveals-controversial-chat-ahmad-ali-butt/ “Maha Kazmi Reveals Controversial Chat with Ahmad Ali Butt”], Social Dairy Magazine, Pakistan, 09 March 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  24. ^ Correspondent, Our (7 March 2024). "Maha Ali Kazmi slams Ahmad Ali Butt after Ali Noor podcast". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  25. ^ Noor, Fatima.[ https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/07-Mar-2024/maha-kazmi-calls-out-ahmed-ali-butt-for-handing-out-character-certificates?version=amp “Maha Kazmi calls out Ahmed Ali Butt for “handing out character certificates”], Daily Pakistan, Pakistan, 07 March 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  26. ^ Desi Blitz. Maha Ali Kazmi Exposes Ahmad Ali Butt's Explicit Texts, Desi Blitz, Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  27. ^ Images Staff.[ https://images.dawn.com/news/1191708 “Noori’s Ali Noor sends singer Maha Ali Kazmi defamation notice over ‘baseless’ harassment allegations ”], ‘’Dawn News’’, Pakistan, 21 April 2023.
  28. ^ Correspondent, Our (7 March 2024). "Maha Ali Kazmi slams Ahmad Ali Butt after Ali Noor podcast". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  29. ^ "A philosophic rendition". Gulf Times. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Maha Ali Kazmi releases her latest single 'Summer Nights'". gulfnews.com. 21 February 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  31. ^ "Maha releases latest single summer nights". The Nation. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  32. ^ "Aaj Sun Ke Tumhara Naam: Aamir Zaki's last staging". Daily Pakistan Global. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  33. ^ "In conversation: Maha Ali Kazmi talks about Falling Now MISCELLANEOUS - MAG THE WEEKLY". magtheweekly.com. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  34. ^ "Singer Maha Ali Kazmi recently released her new single 'City Lights' Fab Fun Find - MAG THE WEEKLY". magtheweekly.com. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  35. ^ Baji, Band.“SOUNDSCAPE: THE KASHMIR CONNECTION", Dawn News, Pakistan, 5 January 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2024.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maha_Ali_Kazmi&oldid=1223758391"