Najam Sheraz
Encyclopedia
Najam Sheraz is a Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...

i pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...

 singer, musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....

, composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...

 and comedy actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...

. He is most prolific singer; indeed he is a household name in Pakistan. Many of his songs have become anthems all over the world. His latest album, eight in his career, "Najam" has been released recently both in India and Pakistan. His global peace song "Only Love" was selected by International Olympics Committee for Beijings Olympics 2008 Torch Relay in Islamabad.

History

Najam Sheraz was born in Multan
Multan
Multan , is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province on the east bank of the Chenab River, more or less in the geographic centre of the country and about from Islamabad, from Lahore and from Karachi...

, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...

 on August 2, 1969. A natural sportsman, he played professional cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

 with cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...

ing legends such as Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq , also known as Inzamam, nicknamed Inzy, is a former Pakistan international cricketer who was national captain between 2003 and 2007. He is a right-handed batsman who has been regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his era...

, Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis Maitla is a former Pakistani right arm fast bowler in cricket and widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time...

, and Mushtaq Ahmed
Mushtaq Ahmed
Mushtaq Ahmed is a retired Pakistani cricketer who specialised as a leg spin bowler. He was known for his hard-to-pick googly. He memorably trapped Graeme Hick in front with one during the 1992 World Cup final. He was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997...

. He is graduate of University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he studied and graduate in B. Tech. in civil engineering
Civil engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...

. He formed his first band with his elder brothers Booby (Dr. Zubair Adnan in Rawalpindi Pakistan) and Joji (Salman Nadeem in Brampton, ON, Canada) called Brother Rhythm in 1987. Both brothers till date seriously consider themselves better, more sophisticated music lovers and musicians than the much famous younger brother.

His second band came together in 1989. Wet Metal was at that time considered the best live band in the circuit. Performing in almost 1,000 shows all over the country, Najam Sheraz established himself as one of the strongest voices on stage.
He has given a mega hit Bheegay Hont Tere(Menu tere Naal) to Bollywood who back then changed the style of music in the Bollywood films in a big way for Mahesh Bhatt's film Murder. Bheegay Hont Tere also put an end to stealing songs from across the border after a long time. Vishesh films signed a contract with Najam Sheraz on his request to make it a legal transaction between the two parties though it was originally used in the movie without his permission.Najam sheraz is also responsible for introducing Atif Aslam to vishesh films to get him his first break Wo Lamhae Bheegay Hont Tere opened the gate for Pakistani music and singers in the Bollywood films in a major way

He was signed by Frankfinn Music later for his upcoming album to be produced in the UK.
He also sang and composed for the new Vikram Bhatt's Movie Shaapit, titled "TERE BINA JIYA NA JAYE"
in 2011 set up a production company Coconut Island and produced/arranged two songs for Vikram Bhatt's Haunted 3D Sau Baras and Tera Hee Bas Hona chahoon

Solo career

In December 1993 the band members parted ways and Najam Sheraz began working on his solo career. His first solo single, 'In Sae Nain', was released in September 1994. It was an instant hit, selling more than 300,000 copies. 'Sohna Chata Hoon' his second single, received critical acclaim with its release in March 1995. It was soon followed by the release of his first solo album 'Khazana' in February 1996 and the video release of 'Larki', which brought him to the forefront of the musical mainstream. 'Khazana' sold a million copies, supported by the videos 'Aajana' 'Yeh Baat Kise Maloom Nahin' and 'Pyar Ki Piyas'. This album took Najam on his first foreign tour to Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...

 where he achieved huge success.

The lyrics of the song "Pyar Ki Pyas" were penned by Tahir Gul Hasan for a pop band named Wet Metal that had Najam Sheraz as the lead singer. The music was composed, played (except the lead guitar), recorded and mixed by Tahir at his own studios: Sound On Sound, Karachi.

Wet Metal's entire album's lyrics, music and recording came from Tahir Gul Hasan but the group disbanded before the album was finished. In 1993, "Pyar Ki Piyas" became the band's first single on TV. Najam Sheraz would later use "Pyar Ki Pyas" in his successful studio album: Khazana. For more details read "Pyar Ki Piyas (پیاس کی پیار):

His next project was an experimental album, an eastern classical-rock fusion called 'Rakh Aas' with the band Karavan in November 1997.

His second solo album, 'Roop Nagar', was released in 1999 in Pakistan. Its first video release, 'Pal Do Pal Ki Chahat', was the first 35 mm music video to ever be produced in Pakistan. Najam was instantly signed by Pepsi Cola International
Pepsi
Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...

 in Pakistan and BMG-Cresendo
BMG
Bertelsmann Music Group, , was a division of Bertelsmann before its completion of sale of the majority of its assets to Japan's Sony Corporation of America on October 1, 2008. It was established in 1987 to combine the music label activities of Bertelsmann...

 in India. This album took him on his first North American tour to more than 10 cities. He also performed in Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...

, where he was the first ever live act from Pakistan, and was especially well received.He has worked intensively in Europe and India with frequent visits to North America as well. His song for Anti Narcotics Force in 2006 became the Force's anthem and he has been acclaimed as an Ambassador-at-large by the ANF for his work with youth and deprived classes.

Breakout

Sheraz's first international release in 2000 was 'Pal Do Pal Ki Chahat'. In the same year, 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation — also known as 20th Century Fox, or simply 20th or Fox — is one of the six major American film studios...

 launched the film Split Wide Open
Split Wide Open
Split Wide Open is a 1999 Indian film and is Dev Benegal's second feature film after English, August. The film primarily deals with the Water conflicts in the slums of Bombay, and paedophilia, and also looks at the subversive sexuality in modern India and how the notions of morality are challenged...

. Sheraz's song 'Mera Jee Nahin Laage' was included on the soundtrack along with Air Supply
Air Supply
Air Supply is an Australian soft rock duo, consisting of Graham Russell as guitarist and singer-songwriter and Russell Hitchcock as lead vocalist. They had a succession of hits worldwide, including eight Top Ten hits in the United States, in the early 1980s...

, Asha Bhosle
Asha Bhosle
Asha Bhosle is an Indian singer. She is one of the best-known and most highly-regarded Hindi playback singers in India, although she has a wider repertoire. Bhosle's career started in 1943 and has spanned over six decades. She has done playback singing for over a thousand Bollywood movies...

 and Garbage
Garbage (band)
Garbage are an alternative rock band formed in Madison, Wisconsin in 1994. The group consists of Scottish singer Shirley Manson and American musicians Duke Erikson , Steve Marker and Butch Vig . All four members are involved in songwriting and production...

. With this achievement, Najam Sheraz became the second Pakistani artist after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to be included on the soundtrack of an international film.

In February 2000, Sheraz released his first Punjabi album, 'Pyar Karannu Dil Karda', which produced hits like 'Pyar Karannu Dil Karda', 'Rabba', and 'Kajla'.

In February 2002 he released his fifth album, 'Jaisay Chaho Jiyo', which produced hits like 'Jaisay Chaho Jiyo', 'Ahista Ahista' and the huge success 'Aao Wahan Chalen'.

The Cricket World Cup
Cricket World Cup
The ICC Cricket World Cup is the premier international championship of men's One Day International cricket. The event is organised by the sport's governing body, the International Cricket Council , with preliminary qualification rounds leading up to a finals tournament which is held every four years...

 of 2003 saw the success of 'Jeeto Mere Laal', which was also dedicated to the Pakistani Blind Cricket World Cup Champions.

In the Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...

 of 2002, the hamd
Hamd
A Hamd is a poem or song in praise of Allah. A hamd is usually written in Arabic, Persian, Punjabi, or Urdu. The word "hamd" comes from the Qur'an, which Muslims believe to be Allah's Word; its English translation is "Praise"....

 'Yeh Mamla Koi Aur Hai' became a major hit. The intensity and spirit of the song became so popular that it precedes every concert performance and audiences of every age and creed join voices in its recitation.

On 14 August 2003 saw the launch of 'Hamari Pehchan' and 'Gillay Shikway Sub Bhula Do'. 'Hamari Pehchan' was directed towards raising nationalistic spirit, whereas 'Gillay Shikway Sub Bhula Do' focused on reuniting towards peace and brotherhood.

'Shahpar', a song about the Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...

, was released on 6 September 2003.

The Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...

of 2003 saw the release of the album 'Yeh Mamla Koi Aur Hai'. Its release was imminent due to the success of the single of the same name in 2002. It included other naats such as 'Rahain Bhatakne Walay', 'In Fizaon Sae Aage', 'Gillay Shikway Sub Bhula Do', 'Shahpar', 'Aae Watan Pyare Watan', Allama Iqbal's 'Lab Pae Aati Hai Dua' and 'Kar Liya Sauda'.

Discography

Early experience:
  • Brother Rhythm – 1987
  • Wet Metal – 1989 performed more than 1000 shows around the country Pyar Ki Piyas 1993 first single on TV
  • Solo Career began in 1994 – to date * In say Nain 1994 no 1
  • Sona Chahta hoon 1995 no 2 was banned from National Radio-Reason given: Lyrics and vocal performance too wild for the youth
  • Hawa Ka sipahi 1995 official Airforce song
  • Yeah Baat 1996 was censored on National TV Reason given: Against Establishment was aired heavily on satellite a few years later

Solo Albums:
Album: Khazana – 1996 – Lips Records sold more than one Million copies
Singles:
  • Larki 1996 no 1
  • Aajana 1996 no 1
  • Ae Aurat 1997 sound track of a special play for the Airforce Shahpar
  • Karavan The Rock Band Project:
  • Rakh Aas 1997 Pop music was banned on TV Reason given: long hair and jeans give a bad impression of the youth
  • In Fizaon Say Agay 1997 Official Golden jubilee song for the Airforce
  • Signed up with Pepsi Cola International 1999

Album: Roop Nagar – 1999 – Sonic/BMG
Singles:
  • Mahia 1999 was censored on National TV Reason given : intense visuals
  • Amar Kahani 1999 World Cup Cricket song with Pepsi Cola was censored Reason given: Performance too wild for National TV
  • Pyar Karannu Dil Karda – 2000 – Lips Records first album in Punjabi language
  • Pal do Pal Ki Chahat – 2000 – BMG Cresendo (India)
  • Mera Ji Naheen Lagae 2000 became the soundtrack of 20th Century Fox's movie "Split Wide Open" along with Air Supply, Garbage, Asha Bhoslay..and a few others
  • Signed up with the No 1 Tea Company Tapal Tea Pvt.LTD.

Album: Jaisay Chaho Jiyo – 2002 – Sadaf Stereo
Singles:
  • Jaisay chaho Jiyo 2002 no 1
  • Aao Wahan Chalain 2002 no 1
  • Aahista Aahista 2003
  • Rakh Aas – Karavan – 1997 – VCI Records
  • Mera Jee Nahin Laage – Included on the Soundtrack of 20th Century Fox film “Split Wide Open” –March 2000
  • Title song “Suraj Girhan” for PTV Drama Serial “ Suraj Girhan” – 2000
  • 2 songs included in a UK released compilation album “Love Rocks-The Beginning” released by Gladiator Records- 28 October 2002
  • Jeeto Mere Laal 2002 –World cup cricket song later on dedicated to the Blind Cricket World Cup winners sponsored by Tapal Tea Pvt. Ltd.
  • Yeah mamla Koi Aur Hai 2002 a message of world peace and brotherhood first ever spiritual acapella Hamd by any popstar in the Muslim world no 1

Album :Yeah Mamla Koi Aur Hai 2003 - Label Event Records/Sadaf - Best seller in Pakistan, UK, US, Canada, South Africa.
Album :Najam 2008 - FrankFinn Music India and Fire Records Pakistan - The album features Chris Eaton, Dan Wheeler, Natalia Williams, UK's famous Jazz Singer, Signe Anderson etc.
Singles:
  • Yeah Mamla Koi Aur Hai 2002
  • Rahain Bhataknae Walay 2002
  • Kar Liya Soda 2003
  • Gilay shikway 2003 against War and terrorism
  • Shapar 2003 Official song for the Airforce
  • Ae Watan 1997 Tribute to the legendary Classical Maestro " Amanat Ali Khan

National Song “Hamari Pehchaan” – Dedicated to the nation on 14 August 2003 - Sponsored by Tapal Tea Pvt. Ltd.
  • Song “Jaise Tu (Harjaee)” for the soundtrack of GEO TV's Drama Serial “Daira” 2003
  • Shahpar – Air force Day Song – 6 September 2003
  • 9th SAF Games 2004 3 songs for the 9th SAF Games opening and closing ceremonies in Pakistan “Rising Above - Buland Saab Taasubaat Sae” “Peace For All” and “Remember We Will”
  • Janbaz 2004 A tribute to Armed Forces sponsored by the largest tobacco company Lackson Tobacco Pvt.LTD.
  • Composed the song “Bheegay Hont Tere” for the Bollywood Film “Murder” produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Directed by Mukesh Bhatt which won all the film and music awards in 2005
  • Album "Menu Tere Naal 2004 Ten years of Najam Sheraz

Singles:
  • In Say nain 2004 version featuring 15 of Pakistan's top Musicians and Artists no 1
  • Menu Tere Naal OST of the Bollywood movie Murder no 1
  • Hamari Pehchan no 1
  • Rabba no 1
  • Peace for all
  • Song "Aa Mere Paas Aa" for the soundtrack of Hum TV's Drama serial Malika 2005
  • National Anthem of Pakistan reproduced for the first time since 1947 launched from the Presidency at 12AM on the 14th of August the Independence Day of Pakistan on all the TV Networks
  • Yeah Pal 2005 OST for the Bollywood Film Kalyug
  • Tribute song Jan Nisar to the Police Department of Pakistan.
  • Tribute Song Salam dedicated to the Armed Forces for their efforts during the Kashmir Earthquake 2005 also performed for UN and NATO forces in Kashmir.
  • Tribute song Zinda Qaum dedicated to the Nation for their united efforts during the Kashmir earthquake 2005.
  • Aa Mere Piyar Ki Khushbu Ost for the ARY TV's Drama Serial Aa Mere Piyar Ki Khushbu 2005
  • Signed up with the Largest Telecom Company Mobilink/Orascom for their biggest campaign to date to promote National harmony and tolerance also celebrating 20 million customers nationwide
  • Mohabbat Ki Zuban 2006 no 1 wrote, composed and performed the theme song of the campaign. The video of the song is also the largest budgeted video made in Pakistan to date. The song has also become a mobitune for the Telecom's 20 million customers.
  • I love you more than Anything 2006 no 1 Single from the upcoming Album featuring International singing and dancing group Heartbeat and Hisham (Reef)
  • Currently working on the 8th solo Album in UK with Chris Eaton as co-producer featuring the musical talents of Dan Wheeler , Mark Edwards, Miles Bould,Matt Weeks, Collin, Paul Burton (aka Paulie Poppadom) Natalie Williams and Signe Andersen.

Sponsorships:
  • Pepsi Cola International signed Najam Sheraz up for the year 1999
  • Tapal Tea Pvt. Ltd. signed Najam Sheraz up for the years 2001- 2003
  • Composed, sang and Produced the 50th Anniversary song for Coca Cola International - 2003
  • Mobilink/Orascom signed Najam Sheraz for their biggest campaign to date to promote National harmony and tolerance also celebrating 20 million customers nationwide. Acting Experience: * Long Play “Qurbani”. Played an aspiring music director in search of a break into the film industry. -1998
  • 1 Episode of “Seth And Company” a comedy serial. Played a double role – as self and that of “Jabbar Plumber” - 1999
  • 2 part Comedy Serial “Kirkit”. Played the role of the Captain of a street cricket team - 1999
  • 2 Episodes of PTV Comedy Serial “Ahista Ahista”. Played self. Song “Ahista Ahista” from the album “Jaisay Chaho Jiyo” was used as the tile song-2002

Comparing Experience:
  • Toshiba Bomba Show – BBCL Productions A musical showcase and game show of 13 episodes in which various Artists were invited to perform and interact with myself– 1999/2000
  • Ramzan on the Streets – GEO TV A 4 episode game show based on the spirit and essence of Ramzan

Tours:
  • Bahrain – December 1996
  • US/Canada – October/November 1998
  • Kuwait – December 1998
  • India – May 1999
  • India – March 2000
  • Norway – August 2003
  • UAE - Dubai – November 2003
  • UAE - Dubai – March 2004
  • Bahrain – April 2004
  • UAE - Dubai – May 2004
  • US – June 2004
  • US/Canada – August/September 2004
  • India - August 2004
  • UK - December 2004
  • Dubai - Bollywood Music Awards - February 2005
  • UK - Bradford Festival - June 2005
  • UK - July 2005
  • Norway - Oslo Festival - August 2005
  • UK - August 2005
  • US - New York Pakistan Independence Day Parade - August 2005
  • India - September 2005
  • Kashmir - Earthquake Relief and Rehab Program - October 2005
  • UAE - Dubai - December 2005
  • UK - East London - Global Peace and Unity Event 2005 - December 2005
  • Canada - Toronto - Reviving The Islamic Spirit Conference 2005 - December 2005
  • UK - May 2006
  • India - Mumbai - June 2006
  • UK - London - June 2006
  • UK - Manchester August 2006
  • UK - London October 2006
  • UK - East London - Global Peace and Unity Event 2006 - November 2006
  • Manchester - UK - December 2006
  • UK- February 2007

Awards:
  • Best New Artist of the Year – Pro Audio Show 1996 – Karachi
  • Best Music Album of the Year – Yeh Mamla Koi Aur Hai – Lux Style Awards 2004 – Dubai
  • Best Male Artist of the year – Indus Music Awards – 2004
  • Maymar-e-Watan Award 2004 - Sindh Provincial Assembly - Karachi
  • Special Award for the Hamd “Yeh Mamla Koi Aur Hai” – Indus Music Awards – 2004
  • Indo-Pak Celebrity Peace Cricket Match - March 2004 – Sharjah. Received the Man of the Match and Best Bowler Awards
  • Best OST Award for a Bollywood Film Murder Song Menu Tere Naal -Bollywood Music Award 2005

Best song of the year 2009 at Lux style Awards khabon Ke Rishtay

External links

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