Junoon A hard rock approach to the traditional Sindhi and Punjabi folk music, qawwali and kafi singing of Pakistan has made Junoon an international phenomenon. Despite being criticized in Pakistan for performing in India weeks after the nuclear testing of May, 1998, the trio has becoming one of the most successful musical ensembles in the history of eastern world. {-Q} magazine called Junoon, "one of the biggest bands in the world," while the {-New York Times} praised the group for its "Pakistani rock mixed with religious rapture." Junoon, which takes its name from a Urdu word meaning "obsession" or passion," was conceived by lead guitarist Salman Ahmed, who was born in Pakistan and raised in a northern suburb of New York City. Although he had initially focused on the traditional music of his homeland, Ahmed became inspired when he attended a Led Zeppelin concert at Madison Square Garden. Shortly after meeting lead singer Ali Azmat, who had previously sung with the Jupiters, in 1990, Ahmed recruited Brian O'Connell, an American bass player he had met while attending Tappan Zee High School, and formed Junoon. Junoon's first hit, "Jazba-e-Junoon, " released in 1996, was chosen as Pakistan's official song of the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Their second hit, "Ehtesaab (Accountability)." released in December, 1996, was highly critical of Pakistani politics and was by Pakistan's state-controlled radio and television stations. Junoon's 1997 album, Azadi, which included the hit single, "Sayonee, " reached the top position on the Asian record charts and achieved platinum status within four weeks. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide