Abdur Rahman and Auj part ways amicably

Karachi-based rock band undergoes shakeup

In the tumultuous rock band landscape, the one constant that fans can be sure to rely on is a shakeup in the lineup. With The Beatles, it was John Lenon. With REM, it was drummer Bill Berry. Here on local turf, it was Jal and Atif Aslam in 2003. And now with Karachi-based Auj, it is vocalist Abdur Rahman Sajid. On Friday, the rock band announced on their Instagram handle on Friday that their lead singer would be leaving, albeit on good terms.

"Abdur Rahman has decided to step away from Auj to pursue a new artistic path," began the statement directed at their fans and followers. "While it's a tough decision we fully support him in this journey."

Relative newcomers to the world of Pakistani music, Auj, have been heavily inspired by classical rock acts such as Metallica, Led Zepplin and Deep Purple. The band rose to fame by winning the coveted Battle of the Bands crown in Season 4 (2019), besting rival band Aarish with their original song Aansu in the finale. The former quartet won over fans for their fresh lyrics and Abdur Rahman's dynamic vocals. As per Spotify, Auj went on to release their debut single Duhrao, followed by the release of Nawazish and Tera Suna, both of which were critically acclaimed. The band released their debut album, Sifr, in 2021. Now that Abdur Rahman has made his exit, the remaining band members include Nasir Zaka, Muhammad Kashif and Syed Hasnain Ali.

Assuring fans that the split was far from acrimonious, Auj paid tribute to the hard-won journey all the band members have been on since embarking on their careers in music. "The time we've spent together has been incredible, filled with unforgettable music and memories," continued their statement on Instagram. "We're grateful for everything we've achieved as a band."

Wrapping up their statement on a positive note, Auj signed off with a thank you to their fans and wished their former bandmate well. "This isn't a farewell; it's a new chapter for all of us. We can't wait to see what the future holds for Abdur Rahman and for Auj! Thank you for your continued support! With love and gratitude, Auj."

Since dropping the news, the comments section of the statement has been piling up fans pouring out their dismay over the band's short-lived stint together. "The one thing I hate about bands: people leave," noted one commenter. Echoing similar sentiments, another heartbroken fan peppered their comment with crying emojis and wrote, "Why do vocalists always decide to find new paths and leave amazing bands behind?"

Other fans subconsciously answered this very question, hypothesising that Abdur Rahman's ego was the root of the problem. "I fully support Nasir and Auj here," penned one fan. "It's really sad to see people leaving bands once they get fame. Auj, you guys may have fewer followers now, but you guys are the real deal. Don't let these pop singers demotivate you. Please continue the rock scene."

Yet others were more ruthless in their assessment. "The lead vocalist's ego and arrogance has been destroying the greatest of rock bands since the '60s," noted one disgruntled commenter.

Whether Abdur Rahman goes on to accrue the same level of love with his signature sound that he found during his years with Auj remains to be seen. For now, fans can patiently wait to see what lies in store for the musicians as they carve a new path ahead.