Ali Sethi

Full Name: Ali Aziz Sethi

Nationality: Pakistani-American

Genres: Ghazal, Sufi, Folk, Classical Fusion

Famous Track: Pasoori

Instruments: Vocals, Harmonium

Based in: Lahore and New York

Languages: Urdu, Punjabi, English

Trained Under: Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, Farida Khanum

Ali Aziz Sethi is a celebrated Pakistani singer, songwriter, composer, and author known for his powerful revival of classical South Asian music through a contemporary lens. With a global fanbase and viral hits like Pasoori, Sethi has become a leading cultural voice blending heritage, identity, and innovation.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 2, 1984, in Lahore, Pakistan, Ali Sethi is the son of prominent journalists Najam Sethi and Jugnu Mohsin. He studied at Aitchison College and later graduated from Harvard University, where he majored in South Asian Studies. During his time at Harvard, Sethi began performing and exploring the musical traditions of the subcontinent, particularly ghazal, qawwali, and folk.

Sethi trained under legendary musicians such as Ustad Naseeruddin Saami and Farida Khanum, which deeply rooted his music in classical techniques while allowing space for innovation and modern expression.

Literary and Musical Career

Before launching his music career, Sethi authored the novel The Wish Maker (2009), a coming-of-age story set in Lahore. The book was well-received globally and showcased his literary depth. However, it was music that would define his creative journey.

He made his playback debut in Mira Nair’s 2012 film The Reluctant Fundamentalist, singing the track Dil Jalaane Ki Baat Karte Ho. His performance was met with acclaim and paved the way for his entry into the mainstream South Asian music scene.

Sethi’s popularity surged with his appearances on Coke Studio Pakistan, particularly with the release of:

• Umraan Langiyaan (2015)

• Ranjish Hi Sahi (Season 11)

• Chan Kithan (Season 10)

• Pasoori (Season 14, with Shae Gill), which became a global sensation

Pasoori: A Global Breakthrough

In 2022, Pasoori marked a turning point in Ali Sethi’s career. The song went viral globally, gaining over 1 billion views on YouTube and becoming the first Pakistani track to top Spotify’s global charts. Its success broke cultural and linguistic boundaries, making Ali Sethi a household name from Pakistan to India and beyond.

Pasoori is praised for its seamless fusion of classical South Asian melodies with modern instrumentation and progressive lyrics, addressing themes of love, resistance, and cultural unity.

Global Recognition

Ali Sethi has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including:

• Coachella (2023), where he was the second Pakistani artist ever to perform

• Carnegie Hall

• Royal Geographical Society (UK)

• Harvard, Yale, and Brown University events

In 2022, he was included in TIME’s “100 Next” list, recognizing him as a global innovator in music and cultural storytelling.

He has also collaborated with Chilean-American electronic musician Nicolás Jaar on the experimental album Intiha (2023), which blends Urdu poetry with electronic and ambient soundscapes.

Style and Artistic Philosophy

Ali Sethi’s music is characterized by his fusion of classical ragas, folk poetry, and modern production. His repertoire includes ghazals, qawwalis, thumris, and Punjabi folk, which he reinvents for younger audiences without compromising their soul.

Sethi frequently highlights themes of:

• Cultural identity and heritage

• Love and longing

• Gender and sexuality

• Spiritual introspection

He is regarded as a cultural reformer, reviving classical genres that were fading in mainstream music while expanding their reach globally.

Notable Works

Coke Studio Performances:

• Pasoori (with Shae Gill)

• Umraan Langiyaan

• Ranjish Hi Sahi

• Chan Kithan

• Ishq

Albums and Collaborations:

• The Wish Maker (novel)

• Intiha (2023) with Nicolás Jaar

• Various singles including Paniya, Chandni Raat, Yakjehti Mein, Dil Ki Khair

Awards and Impact

• TIME100 Next 2022 honoree

• Multi-million global streams across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

• Cultural ambassador for Pakistan on global stages

• Critical acclaim from The New Yorker, Pitchfork, NPR, and The Guardian

Book Ali Sethi for Live Events

Ali Sethi is available for international bookings, live concerts, literary events, cultural festivals, and private showcases. His performances offer a rare blend of classical depth, poetic mastery, and modern musical expression.