This week, Zara Madani, an ace singer, shares her likes and dislikes with our readers. Read on...
you & me
Zara Madani has been mesmerising listeners with her enchanting voice for 20 years. According to Zara, music was her first love. Beginning at the age of eight, she was trained by Akhtar Ali Khan Sahib and Ustad Zafar Ali Khan Sahib in the intricacies of classical music. Zara was first noticed in 2007 for her collaboration on the song ‘Allah Hu’ with Saieen Zahoor, followed by ‘Maan Lo’. In 2011, Zara got ‘Singer of the Year’ Award for her song ‘Payaam’ with Shallum Xavier. Her specialised field of singing is fusion music - blending Eastern and Western styles into a unique vocal expression. Zara has also taught music at C.A.S. School in Karachi as a singing instructor.
“These days I am collaborating with some incredible musicians, and fine-tuning my upcoming album and a few soundtracks,” she informs. This week, Zara, who is also the Spotify’s ambassador (from July to September), shares her likes and dislikes with our readers. Read on…
What is your most memorable concert to date?
One of my most memorable concerts was Coke Studio Live, curated by Rohail Hyatt. I had the honour of sharing the stage with incredible musicians from Turkey, Serbia, and Italy, and singing alongside legends and talented artists like Farid Ayaz ji, Umair Jaswal, Sumru (Turkey), and Fariha Pervaiz. It was a powerful musical exchange that celebrated both cultural diversity and unity through music.
How does it feel to be the Spotify’s Ambassador for EQUAL Pakistan?
It’s an absolute honour. It is a powerful platform that celebrates and amplifies the voices of women in music. Being part of a platform that highlights and empowers women in music means a lot to me - not just as an artist, but as an educator and collaborator. It feels wonderful to represent a space where diverse voices are being celebrated and heard.
How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
Such initiatives provide visibility, validation, and a much-needed platform in an industry where women have often had to fight for space. It’s inspiring to see diverse female artists being given the visibility and recognition they deserve.
Your favourite international music celebrity?
Michael Brook.
Who is your icon in the music industry?
Rohail Hyatt.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
Music was a constant companion in my early years - an emotional refuge and a form of self-expression. It gave me a sense of identity and belonging, even before I fully understood its depth. From classical training to listening to diverse genres at home, music shaped the way I experienced the world and helped me connect more deeply with myself and others.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist?
‘Teri Dor’. It’s a deeply emotional track that explores themes of surrender, longing, and divine connection. The composition blends Eastern melodic sensibilities with subtle Western textures, reflecting my own musical identity.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
‘Plastic’ by Pablo, ‘Home’ by Zero 7, and ‘My Heart, My Life’ by Michael Brook and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Who was your favourite rock/jazz pop star when you were in your teens?
Growing up, I was drawn to a mix of rock, jazz, and pop icons whose music shaped my understanding of vocal and emotional expression. I listened to Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Sting, Whitney Houston, Norah Jones, and Michael Jackson. Each of them brought something unique - whether it was vocal agility, soulfulness, stage presence, or sheer originality and their influence still echoes in my music today.
Your most irritating habit…
I’m never fully satisfied with my work. I keep tweaking and refining it, right up until the last minute before release.
You don’t like people who are…
Judgemental.
You are afraid of…
I’m most afraid of losing alignment with my purpose and disconnecting from the Divine.
Your most valuable possession?
My voice.
What bores you the most?
Not feeling creative.
You are crazy about…
Music.
Your all-time favourite movie?
‘Chronicles of Narnia’.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
Just lazing around with no set plans. It’s my time to unwind, go with the flow.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
‘I Love You’ by Billie Eilish.
If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour for a month, whom would you choose?
Giuliano, an incredible Italian guitarist I had the honour of performing with during Coke Studio Live.
Your favourite hangout?
Anywhere I can be surrounded by good music, meaningful conversations, and a relaxed vibe - whether it’s a cosy café, a friend’s studio, or just my own space with a cup of chai.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
Absolutely. It connects us to our roots, deepens our appreciation for the craft, and gives context to everything we create today. Traditional music carries timeless wisdom, and by studying it, we not only honour those who came before us but also build a stronger, more meaningful foundation for our own artistic expression.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
Anytime a Michael Jackson classic comes on, I can’t resist the dance floor! Songs like ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’, ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, and ‘Billie Jean’ instantly lift my energy.
What’s the last thing you bought?
A handbag for my mother.
What books are on your bedside table?
Right now, it’s mostly Rumi. His poetry is a constant source of reflection, comfort, and spiritual grounding for me.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I meditate - even if it’s just for a few minutes. It helps me set the tone for the day.
When I am not working, I am usually…
Listening to music.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
Love, in its purest form, isn’t about control or expectation - it’s about presence, acceptance, and grace.
You get super uncomfortable when…
I get super uncomfortable at large parties with too many people - it’s just not my scene. I prefer intimate gatherings where there’s space for real connection and meaningful conversation.
The biggest misconception about you is…
That I’m always calm and composed. The truth is I have my moments of doubt, overthinking, and creative chaos - I just channel it into my work.
Something very few people know about me…
I am an introvert. While I express myself openly through music, I deeply value solitude and quiet moments - they’re where I reconnect, reflect, and find creative clarity.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I try to stay in the present and not look too far ahead. For me, it’s about staying spiritually aligned, creating meaningful work, and allowing life to unfold in its own time and rhythm.
What’s your ultimate desire?
To create healing music using pure frequencies through my voice and to collaborate with like-minded musicians from around the world. I want my music to be a bridge - something that uplifts, connects, and resonates on a deeper, spiritual level.
