Rock singer Ali Azmat turns 55 today

Pakistan’s legendary rock vocalist and frontman of iconic band Junoon, Ali Azmat, turned 55 today, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

Born on April 20, 1966, in Havelian, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Azmat Pacha rose from modest beginnings to become a trailblazer in Pakistan’s music history. 

He grew up in Garhi Shahu, Lahore, and started his music journey with Jupiters, a band known for cover gigs in Lahore. His breakout track, “Dosti,” became a national sensation after being re-recorded with Junoon.

In 1990, he joined Junoon, where, alongside guitarist Salman Ahmad, he revolutionised Pakistani music with the fusion of Sufi poetry and rock. Songs like “Jazba-e-Junoon,” “Sayonee,” and “Meri Awaz Suno” became youth anthems, with Jazba-e-Junoon also serving as the unofficial soundtrack of Pakistan’s 1996 Cricket World Cup campaign.

Junoon made history in 2001 by becoming the first Pakistani band to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. Azmat’s fearless voice and rebellious lyrics also led to controversies, with tracks like “Ehtesaab” getting banned for highlighting political corruption.

After Junoon’s final studio album, Dewaar, in 2004, Azmat pursued a solo career, launching albums like Social Circus, Klashinkfolk, and Josh-e-Junoon, the latter of which became the anthem for the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

He also made a mark in Bollywood with his song “Garaj Baras” featured in the film Paap, followed by tracks for Jism 2. His acting career includes prominent roles in Pakistani blockbusters like Waar (2013) and The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022).

Now 55, Ali Azmat continues to be a symbol of artistic defiance and musical innovation. He lives with his wife and two daughters.