22nd Jan, Thurs – Junoon Unplugged- Salman Ahmad

Known for blending a powerful, arena rock sound with the epic tranquility of Sufi poetry, Junoon is an international phenomenon, has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, and has shared the stage with bands such as Oasis, Pearl Jam, and Wyclef Jean. Originally founded in Pakistan, the band’s sweeping melodies and driving vocals have often led it to be called “the U2 of the Muslim world” but Junoon is lately being discovered by western audiences as well, including Bono himself, who recently wrote to the band to identify himself as “a fan.”

Salman Ahmad is a doctor by training and a rock musician by profession. In 1990, he founded South Asia’s biggest rock band, Junoon. Junoon  has the distinction of being the first ever rock band to be invited to perform at the U.N. general assembly by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2001.

Salman has been a passionate activist in promoting peace on the planet, touring a number of colleges in the United States to bridge the gap between the Muslim community and the western world, post 9/11. Recently he has appeared in two documentary films: IT’S MY COUNTRY TOO on Muslim-Americans and ROCKSTAR AND THE MULLAHS which has won a SAJA award. Salman and Junoon recently performed  a Goodwill concert for the South Asia Federation in the violence ridden region of Kashmir.

His efforts in bridge building between India and Pakistan has resulted in a song and video he produced called Ghoom Tana. Ghoom Tana appears on his latest solo album, INFINITI.