Faakhir Mehmood (Urdu: فاخر محمود) is a Pakistani singer and music composer. He started out his career in a Pakistani musical group called Awaz. However to conflicts of interest the band split and they all went to become solo artists. The band Awaz also consisted of well known musician Haroon.
Faakhir has produced three albums as prior to 2006. His 2000 debut album, Aatish, was a big hit. His song in the album called Dil Na Lagey was the number one song for many weeks and was the best national song of the year 2000.
His latest album is Mantra. On that album there is a song called Jiya Na Jaye, in which Faakhir shares a duet with Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan. Another song in that album called Mahi Ve won two awards in the India Sangeet Awards, in which he also performed.
One reason why Faakhir's music is popular is because of its unique use of diverse music and lyrics. He has a lot of Western and European influences in his music. His song Dil Ruba which is a track with Spanish influence and his song Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Mein were also instant hits. His single Sub To Suniyeh was also a big hit. As of 2007, Faakhir has decided to take a break on his music career so he can spend more time with his family.
Awaz
Faakhi attended the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore but moved to United States. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the George Washington University in the United States in the early 1990. It was his university years when he met with Asad Ahmed and Haroon. Together, they formed the band Awaz.
Solo career
Faakhir started working on his album ‘Aatish’ in July 2000 by releasing his 1st single in August, a national song ‘Dil Na Lagay’. This national song become an instant hit and topped the music charts in Pakistan..
Riding on his wave of success he performed in New York and Washington DC where he sang to crowd of more than 30,000 people.
The same year he charmed a large audience in Dubai, UAE.
2001 was perhaps the most gratifying year for Faakhir as an artist as his other two releases, ‘Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Mein’ and ‘Dilruba’ both topped the charts and became instant hits.
The song ‘Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Mein’ won a Lux Style Awards while his other single ‘Dilruba’ (Pakistan’s most expensive Music Video, shot in Spain) was also nominated for best video and Direction at the same prestigious ceremony.
As a performer
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“To me music is like the stars in the sky, it does to the soul, what the stars do to break the muteness of the stark black sky” -Faakhir
His acts are filled with energy, charged with unmistakable enthusiasm and a charismatic voice to compliment all the magic that unfolds on stage.
His ‘Sage Traits’ has enabled him as a much sought-after and liked performer. His heartthrob personality and melodious songs come together in perfect harmony to create a ‘concert; out of any ordinary ‘show’.
“The most promising act to come up these days is surely Faakhir” -The News July 22, 2001
Faakhir’s live shows have taken his ’music and magic’ to many countries in the world including the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia in addition to big and small cities across Pakistan.
Faakhir has performed alongside International contemporaries from the region and Europe including, Sukhbir and Stereo Nation to name a few.
Faakhir has to his credit having done the most numbers of shows with International Artists in Pakistan.
As a soloist
“Multi skilled Faakhir has been compared with Adnan Sami Khan because he is trained as a musician, writes his lyrics, composes music, produces and sings”
Eastern Eye, London June 29, 2001
Now that I have started singing, I know there is no turning back. And the more I get involved in it now, the more I realize what I have been missing- at least not any more. -Faakhir
Faakhir’s long association with Awaz was a satisfying experience. His dedication, compositions and arrangements for the band led to many smash hits. Its success can be measured from the fact that these hits still echo in people’s mind and come to their lips besides being aired on TV and radio regularly. His famous works include, ‘Mr. Fraudiye’, ‘Ae Jawan’, and ‘Shawa’ just to name a few.
After deciding to go solo, Faakhir started work on his debut Album, ‘Aatish’.
In July 2000, his efforts bore fruit as his very first song for the album; Dil Na lagey won him instantaneous approval and recognition as a singer. He song stayed on music charts as ‘Number one’ of many weeks before being declared as the best national song for the year 2000 by a local FM Radio Station.
Awards
Discography
Albums
- Aatish (2002)
- Sub Tun Sohniyeh (2003)
- Mantra (2005)
Trivia
- Faakhir is an Electrical Engineer.
- He is a former member of the Pakistani group, Awaz, in which he used to play the keyboard.