Mai Dhai calls for wider global promotion of Sindh’s folk songs

Renowned Sindhi folk singer Mai Dhai has called for Sindh's songs to be promoted more actively on the world stage. She says the province's cultural heritage and traditional music already win hearts wherever they are heard.

She made the remarks on the sidelines of the World Culture Festival. She said she was happy about the love and respect Pakistani artists receive at international events.

It feels wonderful when people from all over the world come to Pakistan. The love and respect we receive is overwhelming. I have received a lot of love wherever I have performed around the world,

Mai Dhai, Sindhi folk singer

A message of pride and gratitude

Mai Dhai said it was encouraging to see people from different countries visiting Pakistan and celebrating its cultural diversity. She described Sindh as a beautiful land with a distinctive musical identity.

In her view, its traditional songs and folk voices deserve greater international recognition. She also thanked Pakistan for the recognition it gives its artists.

She described cultural festivals as an important platform for bringing artists and audiences from different parts of the world together. She encouraged people to attend such events and to appreciate different cultures and artistic traditions.

Rooted in tradition, inspired by Mai Bhagi

Mai Dhai said she had always stayed connected to her cultural roots, wherever her musical journey took her. She pointed to the late folk singer Mai Bhagi as an example of an artist who carried Sindhi culture beyond Pakistan without giving up her traditions.

"She travelled to places such as America, London and Dubai, but never left her culture behind. She remained connected to her roots and maintained her own musical style," Mai Dhai said.

Mai Bhagi's song 'Saman Sai Maan Ta Goli Ghulam Tohinji Dar Ji' became hugely popular and secured her stardom. Her 'Murli Wari Man Mohiyo' found a wide audience in rural Sindh. With government support for her overseas tours, she continued singing until her death on 7 July 1986.

From Tharparkar to international stages

Mai Dhai comes from Tharparkar in Sindh and belongs to the Manganiar community. She leads the Mai Dhai Band, which includes harmonium player Jamal Shab and dhol player Muhammad Fakir.

She first drew wider notice through the Lahooti Live Sessions in 2013, a series produced by the band The Sketches to bring indigenous Sufi and folk music to young audiences. In March 2015, she performed in New York City at the Graduate Center of City University. That appearance was part of the SXSW Music 2015 Global programme, run in collaboration with the US embassy in Pakistan and the Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education (FACE). Her music drew an enthusiastic response there.

In 2015 she appeared in the eighth season of Coke Studio. She sang "Aankha?li Pha?ookai" with Karam Abbas Khan and "Kadi Ao Ni" with Atif Aslam. Saif Samejo of The Sketches, who had worked with her beforehand, said her Coke Studio style was her natural one. He said the aim was to keep its original Rajasthani flavour while making it sound like a dialogue between the two musical worlds.

In 2024, the Government of Pakistan honoured her with the Pride of Performance for her contributions to music.

Looking ahead to the next generation

Mai Dhai was accompanied at the festival by her grandsons, who also manage her musical engagements. One of them said he was learning to play the harmonium from his grandmother.

He said he hoped to carry the family's musical tradition forward. Speaking earlier about her career, Mai Dhai had said she hoped conditions for women singing on stage would improve for the next generation, and that she would keep singing as long as her voice lasted.