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Singer Arooj Aftab was featured in New York's Times Square and she couldn't be happier

Singer Arooj Aftab was featured in New York's Times Square and she couldn't be happier

The two-time Grammy nominee is Spotify’s artist of the month for EQUAL Pakistan.
26 Mar, 2022

Two-time Grammy nominee Arooj Aftab was featured on a billboard in Times Square, New York as Spotify's artist of the month for their "EQUAL Pakistan" initiative.

Spotify's new initiative "EQUAL Pakistan" is a playlist that aims to amplify the voices of Pakistani female artists by giving them a platform that highlights and celebrates their music. Aftab was chosen as the streaming platform's artist of the month in March. Her nomination was announced on International Women's Day (March 8).

A few weeks later, the singer became the face of a billboard in New York city's Times Square, much to the glee of both Aftab and her fans. The singer posted a photo of herself with the billboard in the background.

"All day, only today, on rotation, at every New Yorker's favourite hang, Times Square. Thank you Spotify Spotify Pakistan, this is definitely epic," the Mehram singer captioned her post on Instagram.

The comment section was filled with love — actors Mira Sethi, Sanam Saeed, comedian Ali Gul Pir and singer Meesha Shafi were among her well-wishers. Spotify Pakistan also left a comment underneath the post saying, "We love to see your name in the lights."

Spotify shared a photo of the billboard congratulating the artist. "This is a s i g n — Aroof Aftab has entered New York Times Square. Congratulations to EQUAL Pakistan's artist of the month," they wrote.

Music producer, singer and songwriter Talal Qureshi made an appearance in the comment section to praising Aftab as well, saying he knew she would become "one of the biggest stars."

Aftab will be the first Pakistani artist to perform at Coachella, a music festival in California scheduled for April 15 this year. She is the first Pakistani woman to have been nominated for the Grammys — that too twice. She also made it to former US president Barrack Obama's summer playlist in 2021.

Comments

shazad khalid Mar 26, 2022 05:47pm
Brilliant! Well done.
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Multani Mar 26, 2022 06:18pm
We seem so pleased with just a billboard in USA which is destabilizing Pakistan.
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Factsmatter Mar 26, 2022 07:10pm
Love her songs and avant-garde style. She gives the accompanying musicians their space. I would add that her songs will be even better if she can modulate her voice.
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well-wisher Mar 26, 2022 07:30pm
Congrats Arooj and Spotify for the great achievement AND recognition. Arooj, the world is behind you so go forth. You are the humble pride of great PK.
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Ibrahim S Mar 26, 2022 09:21pm
@Multani - Please read the article and your own post before blabbering .
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GreenAura Mar 26, 2022 10:08pm
Female homegrown artists of all kinds have always been lauded and admired in Pakistan. Not sure what the problem was here to begin with, but y'know, orientalism, oppressed brown females, meh. Thanks Spotify for the free publicity for another outstanding female artist from Pakistan. Perhaps Time Square should put a picture up of Indian hijabis excluded from state education.
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Aiza Mar 26, 2022 10:26pm
The world is ready for this beautiful talent, congratulation Arooj!!
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M. Saeed Mar 26, 2022 11:35pm
A good name in note a Pakistan peculiar field of performance
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VoiceOfReason Mar 27, 2022 12:08am
Match That!
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Rizwana Ali Mar 27, 2022 02:43am
@Multani Be happy for Arooj Aftab rather than bringing politics into art and talent. Countries prosper by encouraging their talents not criticizing.
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Wasim Rajah Mar 27, 2022 07:39am
Great going Arooj! India loves you!!
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QAMAR Mar 27, 2022 08:43am
Amazing
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SecondPilot Mar 27, 2022 09:38am
Not dissing the achievement of any true musician, but if you have about USD 5000 to spare, you too can be featured on a billboard in Times Square for a day. All it takes is about 30 seconds to Google this information.
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Salman Mar 27, 2022 10:50am
and who is she btw ?
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Rizwan Mar 27, 2022 11:43am
Her songs are more of an acquired taste. I was bored and stopped listening in the middle. No offence.
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Shut up Mar 27, 2022 11:56am
@Multani shut up
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Koroush Mar 27, 2022 12:37pm
@Salman read the article
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Asad Mar 27, 2022 05:43pm
She is a special talent !!!
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Rehana Bounse Mar 27, 2022 11:32pm
@Multani it is not Just A Billboard but The Billboard in the heart of NewYork , USA
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Rehana Bounse Mar 27, 2022 11:36pm
@Salman why can’t you be happy for your country men /women who achieve after hard work. Don’t be jealous, it’s a No !No !
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Rehana Bounse Mar 27, 2022 11:37pm
@Salman as if you don’t know
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