Pakistani qawwali duo the Sabri Sisters have reached a new milestone in their musical journey after appearing on Spotify’s iconic Times Square billboard in New York City, marking another major achievement for women artists from Pakistan on the global stage.
The duo, consisting of sisters Sanam and Anamta Sabri, were featured on the billboard on June 17 as part of Spotify’s EQUAL program after being named EQUAL Pakistan Ambassadors for the second quarter of 2026.
Their appearance places them among a growing group of Pakistani women musicians who have gained international visibility through Spotify’s flagship initiative, which aims to promote female artists around the world.
The Sabri Sisters carry one of Pakistan’s most celebrated musical legacies. They are the nieces of the late qawwali legend Amjad Sabri and direct descendants of the iconic Sabri Brothers, whose influence helped shape South Asian Sufi music for decades.
The sisters first drew national attention in 2017 when they released a Persian-Punjabi manqabat in tribute to their late uncle on the first anniversary of his death. Since then, they have built a reputation for blending traditional qawwali and Sufi music with contemporary sounds that appeal to younger audiences.
Bridging Tradition and a New Generation
Their breakthrough gained momentum with “Meri Zindagi Hai Tu,” a popular soundtrack collaboration with singer Asim Azhar. The song spent more than 30 weeks on Spotify’s “Top 50 Pakistan” chart and became the duo’s most-streamed track to date.
Spotify data shows the song also secured spots on major playlists including “EQUAL,” “Pakka Hit Hai,” and “Hot Hits Pakistan.”
Another hit, “Maghron La,” helped further strengthen their growing fan base.
According to Spotify, the Sabri Sisters have attracted listeners far beyond Pakistan. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Bangladesh rank among their top international markets.
The streaming platform also reported that nearly half of the duo’s listeners fall within the 18 to 24 age group. The figures suggest that younger audiences are increasingly embracing Sufi and qawwali-inspired music through artists who modernize the genre while preserving its roots.
“A platform like EQUAL Pakistan from Spotify is important as it gives recognition to Pakistani artists on a global scale,” said the Sabri Sisters.
“There was always a wish to be part of this prestigious list of musicians who have been selected as EQUAL Ambassadors in the past, and now it feels so surreal and exciting, especially knowing that legends like Abida Parveen and Sanam Marvi have represented Pakistan as well.”
Spotify Highlights Diversity in Pakistani Music
Spotify launched its global EQUAL initiative in 2021 to increase visibility for women creators across the music industry. The program highlights female artists through editorial playlists, marketing campaigns and international exposure, including features on the Times Square billboard.
“EQUAL Pakistan is about spotlighting artists who reflect the diversity and creativity of Pakistan’s music scene,” said Rutaba Yaqub, Artists & Label Partnerships Manager at Spotify for Pakistan and UAE.
“As some of the few women making their mark in the traditionally male-dominated qawwali space, the Sabri Sisters are helping expand the boundaries of the genre while honoring its rich heritage. Their recognition celebrates both their individual journey and the evolving sound of Pakistani music.”
Spotify said the latest recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting diverse voices and introducing Pakistani talent to audiences worldwide.
The Sabri Sisters’ journey from carrying a legendary family legacy to earning a place on one of the world’s most recognizable billboards highlights the growing global appeal of Pakistan’s contemporary music scene.
