Most of us, 90’s kids, remember Vital Signs and every single member of their band by heart. Aamir Zaki toured with them for a year as well and that, was my first chance meeting with the guitar maestro. He was first recognized as a teenage prodigy by another music icon, Alamgir. Post Alamgir, he toured extensively with Vital Signs and Awaz and that’s exactly how we remember him to this day.
The legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist from Pakistan has had a cult following that remains to this day.
Giving us hits like “Mera Pyaar“, which is quite possibly the first song we’ve ever heard by him, the singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire went on to release “Iss baar milo” in collaboration with Hadiqa Kiani. Since then, he has been involved in the music scene, being a part of three rock bands. His most recent performance have been his unforgettable guitar solos in Coke Studio.
The guitar maestro lost his life today to heart attack after a prolonged illness, at the age of 49 and Pakistani social media is inundated with melancholic tributes and memories of the legend.
#RIP Aamir Zaki – a brooding guitat legend. Announced via guitarist Hamza Jafri on FB. Died of heart failure.https://t.co/i4YcO0ieKm pic.twitter.com/ris9a5Pe8Z
— Fasi Zaka (@fasi_zaka) June 2, 2017
Here’s a glimpse into some of them:
His Fellow Musician Hamza Jaffri confirmed the news through Facebook.
Music maestro Aamir Zaki passes away due to heart failure says fellow musician Hamza Jafri – Rest in Peace. #RIPAmirZaki pic.twitter.com/pRe0eYW9Lv
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) June 2, 2017
People cannot stop praising the legend that Aamir Zaki was and will remain.
The legendary guitarist the magician Amir Zaki just passed away. Recite Fatiha for departed soul
? pic.twitter.com/OcAwGXA2CJ— Ennanana (@Enna_Ejaz) June 2, 2017
Just got the confirmation: Amir Zaki passes away after prolonged illness and a heart attack.
May his soul rest in peace. Such a tragic loss. pic.twitter.com/omLqdwalnf— h (@HaadeaP) June 2, 2017
Rest in peace Amir Zaki. What an influence on an entire generation of Pakistani guitarists.
— Sami Shah (@samishah) June 2, 2017
In the saddest of news. Pakistani guitar virtuoso Aamir Zaki has passed away of heart failure. Funeral prayers expected to be held tommorow
— Rafay Mahmood (@Rafay_Mahmood) June 2, 2017
The legend lives on through his songs .
I actually have the song 'Mera Piyar' in my phone for the last 10 years. Phones change but legends don't. #RIPAmirZaki #AmirZaki
— Natasha Kundi (@NatashaKLondon) June 2, 2017
Some of the twitterati just cannot stop tweeting the lyrics to their favorite songs, as a tribute.
'Meri awaz sunn lena mere geeton main tum'
A legend has gone, #AamirZaki #RIP— Pharhan Suhail (@pharhansuhail) June 2, 2017
"Waaday
Iraaday
Kaisay
Bhula dainToota hai jo dil
Wo ro-ay
Rula day"— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) June 2, 2017
Local celebrities are pouring in with their words of farewell..
life's so short – RIP #AmirZaki arguably the best guitar player from Pakistan
— Bilal Khan (@bilalkhan) June 2, 2017
Sorry to hear that the legendary guitarist Amir Zaki has passed away. There was no other like him. Innalilla hi wainanila hai rajaoun
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) June 2, 2017
Aamir zaki..the musician guitar maestro has passed away…plz pray for departed soul
— Faysal Qureshi (@faysalquraishi) June 2, 2017
RIP #AamirZaki, Pakistan's top guitarist. ? #SadNews pic.twitter.com/xyD5Tya3Ou
— Sanam Baloch (@SanamBalochfans) June 2, 2017
As Madeeha Syed said and I quote, “it’s a little hard digesting this news”
It's a little hard digesting this news. Confirmed from various sources: Pakistani guitarist, singer/songwriter Aamir Zaki has passed away.
— Madeeha Syed (@madeehasyed) June 2, 2017
May his soul rest in peace.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the legendary guitar maestro, Amir Zaki. May his soul rest in peace. ?#RIPAmirZaki pic.twitter.com/NwenF03EiZ
— MangoBaaz (@mangobaaz) June 2, 2017