Early Life & Musical Heritage

Arif Lohar was born in 1966 in Lahore, Pakistan, into the legendary musical family of Alam Lohar, the pioneer of modern Punjabi folk music. Growing up in a household filled with music, Arif inherited not just his father's talent but also his mission to preserve and promote Punjabi folk traditions.

Arif began his musical training under his father's guidance from a very young age. After Alam Lohar's tragic death in 1979, the young Arif took up the responsibility of continuing his father's legacy, making his professional debut while still in his teens and quickly establishing himself as the rightful heir to the Lohar musical tradition.

Rise to National Prominence

Arif Lohar's breakthrough came in the 1990s when he began appearing regularly on Pakistan Television. His powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and mastery of the chimta quickly made him a household name across Pakistan.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Arif Lohar modernized Punjabi folk music by:

• Blending traditional folk with contemporary musical arrangements
• Introducing Punjabi folk to urban and international audiences
• Collaborating with pop and rock artists to create fusion music
• Preserving traditional poetry while making it relevant to new generations

Global Folk Ambassador

Arif Lohar achieved international superstardom with his massive hit "Jugni" in 2006, a collaboration with music duo Mekaal Hasan Band that became a global phenomenon and introduced Punjabi folk to audiences worldwide.

He has performed at prestigious international venues and festivals including:

• Royal Albert Hall, London - Multiple sold-out performances
• O2 Arena, London - Record-breaking Punjabi music concerts
• Various World Music Festivals across Europe and North America
• Coke Studio Pakistan - Creating iconic fusion performances