Awaz

Awaz

Company type	Music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1992 in Islamabad, Pakistan
Founder	Haroon Rashid
Headquarters	Islamabad , Pakistan
Products	Music albums, live performances
Number of employees	3 (original lineup)

Awaz () emerged as a Pakistani pop group established in Islamabad in 1992, spearheaded by lead singer Haroon Rashid. He was accompanied by keyboardist Faakhir Mehmood and lead guitarist Asad Ahmed. Renowned as trailblazers within the domestic pop industry, Awaz gained acclaim for their instrumental expertise, production quality, and songwriting abilities, although public fascination often centered on their visual appeal and live performances.

The band attained commercial acclaim across Pakistan with their 1993 debut album titled Awaz. Their track "Janeman," written by Haroon Rashid and co-produced with Faakhir, quickly became a hit and distinguished them as the first South Asian group to be featured on MTV in April 1992. Their sophomore release, Jadoo Ka Charagh (1995), included popular songs such as "Jadoo Ka Charagh" and "Shawa," which eclipsed the success of their initial album. In 1996, they introduced their third album, Shola, which incorporated stronger Western musical influences and showcased their most notable single "Mr. Fraudiay," alongside the patriotic anthem Ay Jawaan.

After internal conflicts arose toward the end of 1999, Haroon and Faakhir embarked on individual solo projects, while Asad Ahmed went on to establish the band Karavan.

Formation (1992)

While studying in Washington D.C., Haroon Rashid conceived the name "Awaz." Upon completing his Business Administration degree at George Washington University, he returned to Pakistan. He first enlisted keyboardist Faakhir Mehmood, followed by former The Barbarians lead guitarist Asad Ahmed, whom he encountered during a November 1992 concert in Islamabad. The official formation of Awaz occurred in December of that year.

After performing several shows, the group pursued a contract with a major music label and ultimately signed with EMI (Pakistan). They produced a modestly budgeted video for "Janeman" from their debut album, financed by a local Islamabad company. Although initially declined by local television channels and record companies, Haroon forwarded the video to MTV Asia, where "Janeman" became the first Urdu/Hindi pop song broadcast on 20 April 1992. Haroon had originally composed this piece at age sixteen, with lyrics penned by Sarmed Mirza.

Success (1993–1996)

Following the release of their video, Awaz quickly gained momentum domestically, attracting interest from record labels and television networks. By January 1993, they secured sponsorship from Pepsi, which was renewed through 1997. In March of that year, Asad left his college studies to dedicate himself fully to the band. Their debut album Awaz was launched in May, featuring popular tracks such as "Janey Kaun Thi Haseena," "Diya," "Oh Girl," and "Janeman."

During that year, Awaz toured the United Kingdom alongside Vital Signs. During this time, Rizwan-ul-Haq departed Vital Signs to join Awaz; Aamir Zaki replaced him in Vital Signs. Subsequently, after Aamir Zaki's exit from Vital Signs, they invited Asad Ahmed to contribute guitar work on their third album, Aitebar.

Awaz earned the moniker "Take That of Pakistan" due to their fresh sound that influenced the Pakistani music landscape. Their second album, Jadoo Ka Charagh released in January 1995, produced hits like "Jadoo Ka Charagh" and "Shawa," which outperformed their debut's popularity.

In August 1996, they released their third album Shola, which included their most successful track "Mr. Fraudiay," as well as songs like "Shola," "Mela," "Soniay," and "Hoga." This album marked a shift toward incorporating more Western musical styles compared to their previous traditional approach. Later that year, drummer John "Gumby" Louis Pinto and former Vital Signs guitarist Aamir Zaki joined them for an international tour.

Conclusion of fame (1997–1999)

In early 1997, foreseeing the waning trajectory of Awaz, Asad Ahmed established his own recording studio and launched the rock ensemble Karavan alongside Sameer Ahmad, bringing on board renowned vocalist Najam Sheraz and drummer Allan Smith. By September, Awaz introduced the patriotic track "Aai Jawan," with the music video featuring only Faakhir and Haroon.

November saw Karavan unveil their first album, Rakh Aas. Later that year, both Gumby and Aamir Zaki departed to contribute to Najam Sheraz's sophomore solo project, Roop Nagar (1999). Karavan released their follow-up album, Safar, in December 1999.

Language

Awaz's initial album included compositions in English and Urdu; however, they soon concentrated predominantly on Urdu-language songs. Notable exceptions are "Shine" and "Never Get Away" from their third album Shola, as well as the unreleased 1995 single "Believe in Love". According to Haroon, although he favors crafting lyrics in English, his albums are conceptually approached from an Urdu standpoint.

Influence

The primary lyricist and composer, Haroon Rashid, acknowledges The Beatles as a significant inspiration, which is reflected in tracks like "Oh Girl" and "Janeman" from the Awaz album. Songs such as "Diya" and "Shola" showcase rock influences, while others including "Janey Kaun Thi Haseena," "Jadoo Ka Charagh," and "Shawa" draw upon classical eastern musical traditions.

Awaz has served as a catalyst for other musicians; for instance, Pakistani underground rock band Flam! frequently included "Jadoo Ka Charagh" in their performances. Moreover, Bollywood composer Usha Khanna adapted Awaz's "Janey Kaun Thi Haseena" for the 1995 film Sanam Harjai.

Musical style

Awaz skillfully merges Western musical elements with classical Eastern traditions, crafting memorable love-themed songs that have helped sustain a sense of national pride during challenging social times. Their patriotic anthems such as "Mein Bhi Pakistani," "Watan Kahani," and "Aai Jawan" highlight this connection. The band’s contribution has been pivotal in preserving the global presence of Pakistani music following the departure of groups like Vital Signs and Nazia and Zoheb. Critics have drawn parallels between their sound and that of bands like Take That.

From their debut onward, Awaz combined classical Eastern melodies with Western styles; by the third album Shola, the influence leaned more heavily toward Western music. Despite being recognized for their musical proficiency and production quality, these aspects were often eclipsed by their public image and stage presence. Haroon was particularly noted for his dynamic live vocal delivery coupled with breakdancing.

Awaz made history as the first band from Pakistan or India to appear on MTV on 20 April 1992 with the song "Janeman," composed by Haroon at just 15 years old with lyrics by Sarmed Mirza. Their most successful single, "Mr. Fraudiay," offered a satirical take on corruption in Pakistan.

Discography

Studio albums

• Awaz (1993)
• Jadoo Ka Charagh (1995)
• Shola (1996)

Compilations

• The Best of Awaz (1997)
• Shola-Jadoo Ka Charagh (2001)

Band members

Original lineup

• Haroon Rashid – lead vocals (1992–2000)
• Faakhir Mehmood – vocals, keyboards, piano (1992–2000)
• Asad Ahmed – lead guitars (1992–1997)

Session musicians

• Rizwan-ul-Haq – rhythm guitars (1993–1995)
• Aamir Zaki – rhythm guitars (1996–1998)
• John "Gumby" Louis Pinto – drums (1996–1998)

Timeline

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Colors =

 id:vocals   value:red    legend:Vocals
 id:guitar   value:blue   legend:Lead Guitar
 id:tables   value:green legend:Keyboards, Vocals
 id:Lines    value:black  legend:Albums

Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom

ScaleMajor = increment:1 start:1992

BarData =

 bar:Haroon    text:"Haroon Rashid"
 bar:Faakhir       text:"Faakhir Mehmood"
 bar:Assad     text:"Asad Ahmed"

PlotData=

 width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
 bar:Assad  from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1997       color:guitar
 bar:Faakhir from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/2000       color:tables
 bar:Haroon    from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/2000       color:vocals

LineData =

 at:01/05/1993 color:black layer:back
 at:01/01/1995 color:black layer:back
 at:01/08/1996 color:black layer:back

</timeline>

See also

• List of Pakistani music bands
• Haroon
• Faakhir Mehmood
• Asad Ahmed

External links

• Official Haroon Website – detailed biography and full Awaz discography
• Official site of Asad Ahmed
• Official Faakhir Website