[1] His father, Roestam Munaf was an entrepreneur from Tanah Datar, West Sumatra and his mother, Anna Reijnenberg was a piano teacher of Dutch-Betawi descent.

[6] In 2009, Fariz wrote and published Living in Harmony, a book on his life and influences, with Budianto Shambazy and Salomo Simanungkalit as editors.

[7][8] During his career, Fariz has been a member of numerous bands, including WOW, Jakarta Rhythm Section, Symphony, Transs, Rollies, and Giant Steps.

The Jakarta Post considers his music "... a spectrum of styles and sounds not immediately apparent, except to discriminating ears..."[2] Fariz is married to Oneng.

Another of Fariz's compositions, "Hasrat dan Cinta" (Desire and Love), covered by Andi Meriem Matalatta, placed 103rd.