Singer Haroon discovers a mindblowing performance of Awaz live in concert in Manchester, UK. featuring Haroon, Faakhir and the late great Amir Zaki on guitars and Gumby on drums. The concert was filmed, directed and edited by Waseem Mehmood (OBE).
Haroon discovered an old dusty Beta tape in his store when he was cleaning it out. Upon checking the footage, Haroon was stunned to discover a lost Awaz live concert video. The concert took place in Manchester, UK in front of thousands of screaming fans over 20 years ago. In the video Awaz band mates Haroon and Faakhir are performing along with a live band that features the late guitar legend Amir Zaki on guitar as well virtuoso drummer Gumby on drums.
AWAZ Janeman live feat. Haroon, Faakhir, Amir Zaki & Gumby
Video Credits: Haroon
The priceless video was captured in 1997 by award winning director and producer, Waseem Mehmood OBE, during an Awaz tour of UK cities. Waseem had sent the tape to Awaz in 1997, but following the break up of Awaz in 2000 the tape had been misplaced and forgotten.
Waseem said “I remember I only had three cameras but it looks like a 6 camera shoot because I got my camera team to run around the stage and through the audience like crazy, to capture every angle possible.”
Haroon said “I was stunned to find this footage. It was amazing to see the wild energy and synergy Awaz had on stage. We were so young and it was all so thrilling. Faakhir and I have not performed live on stage together since 1999. I’m also grateful to Waseem. He captured a beautiful moment in Awaz’s history.”
The energetic performance is Awaz at their live best. Haroon said “The audio you hear on the video is the raw live two track audio with audience screams and all.” In the video you can see the late Amir Zaki showing off his skills as he plays some amazing guitar riffs, Gumby meanwhile plays a fiery drum solo.
Faakhir mentioned “We were these guys in our early 20’s writing songs, making music videos and touring the world. It was very exciting.” Haroon added “Special thanks to the Darr family of Rolex Books for putting on this amazing Awaz tour of the UK.”
The song Janeman was the first ever Pakistani/Urdu/Hindi music video on MTV Asia. It was the break through that helped catapult Awaz to fame in the 1990’s. Awaz was formed in Islamabad by Haroon and Faakhir and joined by renowned guitarist Asad Ahmed for the release of their debut album Awaz Vol. 1. Awaz went on to have multiple hits including Watan Kahani, Kon Thi Haseena, Jadoo Ka Chiragh, Main Na Manoor Haar, Mr. Fraudiay, Ay Jawan and more. Awaz performed sell out shows all over Pakistan and around the world.
The band broke up in 2000 and Haroon and Faakhir both went on to have hugely successful careers as solo artists while guitarist Asad Ahmed went on to found the successful rock band Karavan.
Were you a Awaz band fan in the early 90’s? Share your feedback in the comments section below.
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