fajjr+ali
BIO
fajjr+ali is a pop duo based between New York City and Pennsylvania that brings a completely new image to American pop music. Combining poetic and heartfelt storytelling with a contemporary sound, fajjr+ali bring a fresh perspective to the world of music. Ali grew up in Massachusetts and is the son of a Palestinian-American man and an Irish-American woman, so he had starkly contrasting influences of American and Eastern cultures throughout his childhood. Although he had an affinity to all forms of the performing arts, his mother always said music was his first love. Fajjr was born and raised in the rural hills of Schuylkill County in Pennsylvania. The daughter of Pakistani parents, Fajjr grew up as a first generation South Asian-American. This meant she was constantly surrounded by the world of Bollywood, but at the same (thanks to her older brothers) had no choice but to love A Tribe Called Quest and Tupac.
What sets fajjr+ali apart is their unique heritage blended with growing up in contemporary America. In this day and age of such diversity in the United States, the presence of Middle-Eastern and South Asian artists is still scarce, especially in the contemporary music scene. With constant media focus on the Middle East, South Asia, and Muslim women, fajjr+ali hope to shed light on a different facet of their beautiful and varied cultures, helping to dispel stereotypes often associated with their background while simultaneously making good music.
They released their debut EP eleven90 on June 7th, which features production by Grammy Award-winning producer Shafiq Husayn. Their album is an eclectic mix of pop and soul that offers a diverse sampling of their talents as songwriters and musicians.
Music
Videos
PHOTOS
Press
Podcast Interview
Magazine Interview
Magazine Profile
Online Interview
Full Newspaper Interview
Video Interview
Music Video Review
Performance Review
TV Feature
Radio Interview & Performance
Newspaper Interview
Testimonials
Our day started with New York City indie pop duo fajjr+ali, who filled the room with acoustic versions of their soulful originals (to be included on their hopefully-soon-to-come EP) alongside stripped-down covers of artists like Beyonce and Drake. The duo’s knockout performance built a great sense of anticipation inside of the museum’s Trexler Gallery as Fajjr + Ali prepare their upcoming release.
– Gerard Longo
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Lehigh Valley Underground
fajjr+ali were really one of the highlights of this year’s festival. It’s not often you hear a band that has a totally unique sound these days. I knew they were talented from the content they have published, but hearing them live was revelatory. I expect to see them going on to great things in the future.
– Bryan Tuk
Executive Director, Allentown JazzFest
fajjr+ali has appeared at the Wild Project on multiple occasions headlining our Late Night concert series and featuring in Poetic Theater Productions' Love Redefined. Beyond their amazing talent, they are kind-hearted wonderful individuals. We love working with them! Their music (with nuanced inspiration from traditional and modern folk styles and hints of hip hop) is smooth, deep and honest – truly beautiful. I'm looking forward to having them back.
– Jeremy Karafin
Artistic Director, Poetic Theater Productions
Outreach & Marketing Director, Wild Project
fajjr+ali gave a great performance at Alvernia University. Throughout the night they engaged the crowd, introduced us to their original songs, and played some of our favorite tunes...Our students and guests had a blast singing and dancing! I definitely recommend these talented musicians!
– Cristina Ureña
Campus Minster in Residence
Alvernia Universtiy - Reading, PA
fajjr+ali are a beautifully melodic band with lots of versatility. Whether it's a ballad or an upbeat tune, they know how to deliver. I would not hesitate in booking them again.
– Barin Masoud