The music scene in Pakistan is very vast with underground bands, folk singers, playback singers and of course, pop and rock artists. In the ‘90s, music wasn’t readily available the way it is today with platforms like Spotify or YouTube. We had to wait and anticipate, and watch a number of advertisements, before our favorite artist’s music videos aired. Let’s see how well you know about the early years of Pakistani music.

1. Which song was the second release from Ali Azmat’s debut album Social Circus after his separation from the band Junoon?

a) ‘Teri Parchahiyan’

b) ‘Deewana’

c) ‘Na Re Na’

d) ‘Gallan’

2. Excluding the title track, which song is one of the most famous songs from Nazia Hassan's debut album?

a) ‘Aao Naa’

b) ‘Lekin Mera Dil’

c) ‘Dil Mera’

d) ‘Teray Qadmon Ko’

3. Which famous song
by the band Awaz only featured Haroon Rashid and Faakhir Mehmood in the video as well as the song?

a) ‘Watan Kahani’

b) ‘Ay Jawan’

c) ‘Mr. Fraudiay’

d) ‘Jadoo Ka Charagh’

4. Which successful
Pakistani band featured
a woman as their lead singer in the ‘90s?

a) The Milestones

b) Strings

c) Mekaal Hassan Band

d) Call

Answers

1. The correct answer is c.

‘Na Re Na’ is one of the standout songs by Ali Azmat, the former lead vocalist of the iconic band Junoon. Released as part of his solo album Social Circus in 2005, the song showcases Ali Azmat's signature rock style infused with soulful lyrics penned by Sabir Zafar.

2. The correct answer is d.

‘Teray Qadmon Ko’ is the right answer. It is one of the most popular songs by Nazia and Zoheb Hassan. While not as widely recognized as ‘Disco Deewane,’ ‘Teray Qadmon Ko’ continues to resonate deeply with fans, who admire it for its melodious tune and Nazia and Zoheb’s captivating performance. This soulful track showcases Nazia Hassan’s beautiful voice and highlights the album’s blend of disco and pop influences.

3. The correct answer is b.

In January 1997, after foreseeing a disintegrating Awaz, Asad Ahmed joined hands with his friend Sameer Ahmad, forming his own rock band, Karavan. In September 1997, Awaz released a patriotic song, ‘Ay Jawan.’ The video of the song only featured Faakhir and Haroon. All other music videos featured Asad Ahmed, along with Faakhir and Haroon.

4. The correct answer is a.

The group was formed by lead guitarist, Ziyyad Gulzar and bassist, Ali Tim, who were joined by female lead vocalist, Candy Pereira. The Milestones were one of the pioneer bands of the local pop music scene. The band only released two studio
albums and performed innumerable concerts, in the country and abroad. After the release of their second studio album
Volume II in 1994, the band decided to break up when the lead vocalist, Candy Pereira, left Pakistan and moved to Canada.