Anmol Recordings

Salim Raza

Pakistan’s legendary playback singer, Salim Raza (1932 – 1983) got his start as a vocalist in the film industry in 1955. While films gave Mr. Raza an outlet for his extraordinary talent he, in turn, helped shape what is remembered as the golden age of cinema in Pakistan. His voice was heard in dozens of films. He is credited with some 600 solos and duets. His ability to express feeling and pathos was without parallel. His rich, smooth voice and excellent musicianship won him several prestigious awards.

In 1972 Salim Raza’s career took an unusual turn. A Christian group gave him a contract to record 5 songs. Those 5 songs led to what Mr. Raza often described as the most satisfying portion of his career. It was arguably the most productive part of his career. From 1972 through 1973 he recorded over 290 Psalms, hymns and other Christian songs, in the Urdu language, for which he also composed the music. He also composed and recorded many instrumental pieces.

Salim Raza migrated to Canada in 1975. While living there, Mr. Raza recorded approximately a dozen Psalms in the Punjabi language. Unfortunately, his untimely death in 1983 prevented the completion of this project.

The original tapes, as well as the copyrights and licenses to the Christian music Salim Raza recorded, belong to a group in the USA. By special arrangement, Awaz-e-Haq and Anmol Recordings are able to offer you some of this music.

Please note that while some of the Christian music Salim Raza recorded might be found from other sources, only that produced by Awaz-e-Haq is authorized by the copyright holder. All other copies or versions are pirated and are distributed in violation of the law.