Fazal Malik Akif (Urdu: فضل مالك عاکف) (born 22 October 1947) is a Pakistani singer and songwriter, who gained popularity in the 1970s for introducing a modern and eclectic twist to traditional Pashto folk compositions.

[1] He is widely regarded as the first "pathan pop star" for collaborating indigenous instruments such as the rubab, harmonium and tabla with contemporary synthesizers, accordion, drums and electric guitar.

[1][3][4] Unlike other Pashtun performers of his time, Akif adopted an exuberant and expressive style on stage, which led to him being labelled a "game changer" of the Pashto music scene.

However, upon his father's strict insistence, Akif put his plans on hold and worked as a lawyer, notary public and oath commissioner for several years.

[3] Throughout his time studying and practising Law, Akif's love for performing arts never escaped him, and he eventually dropped the profession to pursue a career in music full-time.

With no preparation, Akif chose to perform "Na Hui Gar Mere Marne Se Tasalli"[6] a complicated ghazal by Mirza Ghalib, originally sung by the Indian movie playback singer Mukesh.

[3] He gained much acclaim for his rendition of the sentimental ballad, "Zargay Mey Laywanai De", in which Akif slurred, hiccupped and sang like a drunkard, sniggering at the hopelessness of his lovelorn fate.

In 1974, a 27-year-old Akif was invited by Chaklala Television to sing alongside Naheed Akhtar, Tahira Syed and Roshan Ara Begum, three senior figures of the music industry, for the show "Mehfil".

[9] He rejected producers' requests for him to sing with Tahira Syed, and instead sang a solo of Qateel Shifai's song, "Gungunati Si Koi Raat Bhi Aajati Hai".

Due to faulty technical equipment Akif was seen gesturing to Azhar Lodhi, the presenter and Tufail Niazi, the director that he was unable to hear the music properly.

When they signalled for him to continue, Akif lost his temper, and in an act of rage kicked a prop stool into the air, threw his microphone to the ground and walked off stage.

[citation needed] On another occasion in 1988, at a patriotic concert organised for Pakistan government's chief guests and ministers at Liaquat Memorial Hall, Rawalpindi, Akif refused to sing in a group behind lead singer, Shaukat Ali.

[citation needed] However, this became a turning point in Akif's career as his comeback track "Zam Da Husn Jazeero Ta"[10] went on to become one of his most successful releases.

Akif was regularly banned from television throughout his career for submitting scathing interviews to publications with complaints about the music industry's lack of creativity and unwillingness to experiment.

[2] Although Akif was primarily a Pashto singer, he possessed wide crossover appeal and gained popularity in non-Pashto speaking regions of Pakistan.

In 1982, music director and close friend, Sohail Rana of Shalimar Recording Company invited Akif to Karachi to produce an album in Urdu.

[5] Despite Sohail Rana's persistence Akif refused to commit to an album, choosing instead to return to Kohat for the birth of his son, Mohammad Ali Khan.

[5] That same year, at a blood donation charity event organised by the Fatimid Foundation at Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, guest of honour and film actor Dilip Kumar is said to have approached Akif after his performance.

Akif also performed alongside Mehdi Hassan and Farida Khanum at the annual Doctor's Association event in Peshawar, which was attended by the Pakistani film actor Mohammad Ali.

In the late 1980s, Akif twice toured the Middle East including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Qatar, alongside actresses and dancers Parveen Babi, Sonia and Rukhsana, as well as actors Badar Munir and Asif Khan, to showcase his music to a wider audience.

At an event organised by the International Women's Association in Peshawar, Akif performed alongside Asad Amanat Ali Khan and Khyal Mohammad.

[citation needed] Akif was regularly invited to judge local talent shows and particularly made appearances at school competitions to inspire young children.

Hunt organised for Akif and his band, Walidad on tabla, Aman Shah on dholak, Musafir on harmonium and Amir Hamza on rubab, to travel to the United Kingdom as part of the "Jashan-e-Bahar" festival from the 7–21 March 1991, alongside other artists including Abida Parveen, Aziz Mian, Zarsanga, Allan Fakir and Farida Khanum.

[2][12] On arrival in the United Kingdom in March 1991, Akif performed with his band in various cities including venues in Hackney[1] and Greenwich[1][13] in London, Manchester[14] and Birmingham.

[18] On 22 October 1994, his 47th birthday, Akif headlined at the Gracie Fields Theatre in Rochdale, Lancashire as part of the North West Asian Talents Promotion event.

Peshawar Television Centre produced a one-off comeback programme titled Yaad Girina[19] where Akif spoke on his musical career and performed a series of his hit songs.

[3] Due to high demand from Akif's fans for an official album, in 1988 he released Zama Meena or My Love through Odeon Records in cassette format.

Side A – Dilruba Na Raazi,[22] Lag May Da Husn, Ze Yo Patang, Laila Da Bungro Shrang Day, Kahin Chan Chan Churiya (Urdu) Side B – Meena Meena Meena Bus, Sheeno, Saqi Se La Bundaway, Sur Salu Pa Sar, Meena Kay Mayan,[23] Mastay Mangay Side A – Baraan Wai Baraan,[24] Ma Waaya Bia Bia, Moray,[25] Da Ghudar Ghara Side B – Kha Shwa Laila, Raaka Saqi Raaka,[26] Ashna Waaday, Nun Da Skalo Ehtimaam, Raasha Janana Zama Throughout his career, Akif's photographs graced the covers of various months on yearly calendars.