Aamir Zaki

Aamir Zaki (April 8, 1968 – June 2, 2017) was a Saudi born Pakistani guitarist-songwriter and composer. Zaki is considered by many as one of the most influential guitarists in Pakistan's history.[1] He is considered to be among the pioneers of Rock music in Pakistan. [2]

Aamir Zaki
Zaki in center with keyboardist and singer, Faakhir Mehmood (right)
Background information
Born(1968-04-08)April 8, 1968
Saudi Arabia
OriginPakistan
DiedJune 2, 2017(2017-06-02) (aged 49)
Karachi, Pakistan
GenresBlues, Jazz, Classical, Psychedelic rock, Blues rock, Hard rock, Acid rock, Heavy metal, Eastern classical, pop.
Occupation(s)Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Luthier
InstrumentsGibson Flying V (self-made)
Years active1985–2017
LabelsSonic
Associated actsAlamgir Haq, Vital Signs, Najam Sheraz, Hadiqa Kiyani, NAPA, Maha Ali Kazmi
WebsiteAamirzaki.com

Career

Early career

Zaki started out his music career with a band named The Scratch in 1987, their first album was named The Bomb, whose title track was about the Empress Market bomb blast. The song gave Zaki a little recognition. On an advice from his friend, he quit The Scratch in 1988 to form his own band, thus in process of doing so he started touring with Alamgir.[3]

On Tour with Alamgir

The first mainstream musician to recognise Zaki as a teenage prodigy was Alamgir, who got in touch with him to tour India, Dubai, England and the U.S.A. After touring Zaki played on two of Alamgir's albums. "Keh De Na" and "Albela Rahi" were two hit singles with young Zaki as the lead guitarist, he played a self built Flying V guitar, inspired by his love for Randy Rhoads.[4]

Post-Alamgir

Post-Alamgir, Aamir Zaki formed three rock groups: The Barbarians, Axe Attack and Scratch. Axe Attack was the only band that made an English album recorded in Pakistan and perhaps for that reason, all music companies refused to release it.[5] However, some years later, the rhythm guitarist, Nadeem Ishtiaq took it to Australia where the songs made it to the radio and were well received. Back in Pakistan, the album lay forgotten. Zaki continued with his songwriting and started playing session guitar.

Vital Signs

In 1994, Zaki joined Vital Signs who at that time were already country's largest pop act, Vital Signs had expelled their second guitarist Rizwan-ul-Haq, and Zaki joined in his place as Rohail Hyatt, the leader of the band wanted to expand their sound, and wanted something deeper and complex like "a mixture of vintage Eagles and Fleetwood Mac". Zaki performed extensively with Vital Signs before quitting the band due to band's existential crisis and not getting the equal profit of royalties.[3] Zaki later toured with former bandmates Junaid Jamshed and Shahzad Hassan after Hyatt's exit from the band.[5]

Solo career

After leaving Vital Signs, Zaki released Signature in 1995, an independent release, by his own money. The first batch of CDs was made in England, and Sonic released the album in Pakistan. The album was a hit, and one song "Mera Pyar" (Urdu for My Love) was a major hit, when asked about inspiration for the song, Zaki responded by saying, "someone who doesn't exist and never will.", referencing to his ex-wife.[3] Zaki was awarded with Gold Disc for his debut album from Soundcraft UK.[5] Zaki further released two more albums Rough Cut (2007) with Hadiqa Kiani on vocals and Radio Star (2007).[5]

In late 1990, music scene in Pakistan began to recede, although by the time, Zaki had a cult-following. Zaki then used to perform live songs of his original English and Urdu songs, before they were released, he started doings gigs at Karajazz Festival and Cafe Blue (Karachi, Pakistan).

Zaki further collaborated with many artists on various tracks including collaborations with Hadiqa Kiani for her song "Is Baar Milo" and with Maha Ali Kazmi for song "Aaj Sun Ke Tumara Naam"[6] which was released on his one-month death anniversary.[7]

Coke Studio

Zaki appeared as guest musician on Coke Studio Pakistan (season 7), he featured on four songs by Zoheb Hassan, "Chehra", "Dheeray Dheeray" "Yaad",and "Sab Aakho Ali Ali". Then he last featured in Coke Studio Pakistan (season 10) in only one song by Javed Bashir and Akbar Ali "Naina Moray".

Personal life

Zaki got married at the age of 22, and got divorced at the age of 24. The song "Mera Pyar" from his album Signature was for his ex-wife.[3] Zaki had prolonged illness and severe depression, he became self-destructive with time and even started to burn some of his guitars.[8]

Death

Zaki died on June 2 2017 after suffering a heart attack. He was 49[9][10][11][12]

Discography

Solo Career
  • Signature (1995)
  • Rough Cut (2007)

Vital Signs

References
  1. Aijaz, Rahul (June 2, 2017). "Guitarist Aamir Zaki passes away at 49". tribune.com.pk. Tribune. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  2. "The Prioneers of Rock Music in Pakistan | Leisure | Entertainment (General)". Scribd. Retrieved 2020-02-16.
  3. Paracha, Nadeem F. (October 11, 2017). "Three decades of friendship with Aamir Zaki, Pakistan's unsung guitar hero". images.dawn.com. DAWN. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  4. "Ace guitarist Aamir Zaki passes away at 49". images.dawn.com. DAWN. June 2, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  5. "Four decades of a lifetime, Aamir Zaki (1968-2017)". dunyanews.tv. Dunya News. June 2, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  6. "Aamir Zaki's last song ever released". Edition.pk. 2017-07-14. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  7. "The real Aamir Zaki exists in live sessions, not in cassettes, CDs or mp3 files: Maha Ali Kazmi", Dawn News, Pakistan, 7 July 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  8. Syed, Madeeha (June 12, 2009). "The mad genius of Aamir Zaki". dawn.com. DAWN. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  9. "Legendary guitarist, songwriter Aamir Zaki passes away". Geo News. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  10. "Ace guitarist Aamir Zaki passes away at 49". DAWN Images. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  11. "Pakistan's ace guitarist Aamir Zaki dies at the age of 49". Samaa TV. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  12. "Legendary guitarist, songwriter Aamir Zaki passes away". Muslim Global. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
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