Shazia Manzoor – The Queen of Punjabi Folk and Playback Music

When it comes to the vibrant world of Punjabi music in Pakistan, Shazia Manzoor stands out as an iconic figure whose voice has electrified generations. With a career that spans over three decades, she has firmly established herself as one of the top female playback and folk singers of Pakistan, beloved for her powerful voice, energetic performances, and timeless music.

Born in Rawalpindi, Shazia Manzoor showed early signs of musical brilliance. Trained in classical music, she honed her skills under Ustad Feroz of the Gwalior Gharana, which laid the foundation for her vocal strength and technical precision. Her professional breakthrough came in the early 1990s when her Punjabi songs gained immense popularity on both radio and television.

Her song “Chan Mere Makhna” became a cultural phenomenon and remains a wedding anthem to this day. Other hit tracks such as “Batiyan Bujhai Rakhdi,” “Aaja Sohniya,” and “Maye Ni Maye” further cemented her status as a music legend. Her ability to deliver high-energy tracks as well as soulful melodies has made her incredibly versatile and widely loved.

Shazia’s reach extends far beyond Pakistan. She has performed live for diasporic audiences in the UK, USA, UAE, and Canada, where her stage shows attract thousands of fans. Her music has a strong emotional pull and reflects the essence of Punjabi culture—joy, love, sorrow, and celebration.

In recent years, she made waves on Coke Studio Pakistan, showcasing her versatility and timeless voice in a modern, collaborative format. Her duet with Ustad Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali group in “Aaj Rung Hai” was highly praised for blending classical tradition with contemporary flair.

Shazia Manzoor has received several awards for her contribution to music, including the Pride of Performance from the Government of Pakistan. Her legacy is not only defined by her vocal range but also by her trailblazing role in a genre often dominated by male artists. She remains an empowering figure for aspiring female singers in the region.

Today, Shazia continues to perform, release music, and mentor the next generation of artists. Her longevity in the industry and ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots make her one of the most enduring and influential artists in the South Asian music scene.