File:USMAN RANA.jpg

English: Usman Rana.

EARLY LIFE

Born on April 30, 1983 to a PUNJABI family in lahore. Usman's father MUHAMMAD SARWAR RANA is a PHd Doctor in Textiles Engineering. He is now a days a Chairman Materials and Quality Assurance of National Textile University Faisalabad.

EDUCATION

He attended PAF Intermediate College (2000) for his Matriculation, joined Crescent Model Higher Secondary School for FSc-Pre Engineering (2002). In order to pursue his childhood passion for music, he entered into National College of Arts (2007) for BSc Musicology and finally did Masters in Musicology from University the Punjab in (2009). His thesis report is the first ever written document in Pakistan on Tabla Maestro. He did his research on Legendary Tabla Maestro, Ustad Mian Shaukat Hussein Khan.

CAREER

Usman started his music career as a Lead Guitarist with Band “O Positive” in NCA. His playing style is more of Pop Rock and Eastern Classical Fusion, but he got his main distinction as a Flamenco Guitarist. This band worked not only with famous brands of the country but with renowned multinational companies like UniLever, Telenor, Ufone, Mobiliknk, Pakistan Cricket Board and Tourism Development Company. They conducted a music tour across the country and Usman demonstrated his eccentric and remarkable performances in all the concerts. His second major destiny was “Zavia / (RFAK) Band” (2007) with Pakistan’s eminent classical singer and lineage of eastern classical music of Patiala Gharana, Rustam Fateh Ali Khan. First album of this band called “MERI DHARKAN” was released by World wide records in India, and in Pakistan by Fire Records (2010). Usman has also got an opportunity to work with Mekaal Hassan (famous icon of Pakistani music industry), and with Imraan Danish (Singer/Bass Guitarist). He performed in various concerts with Imraan. Currently Usman is the member of an upcoming Band “BLACK n WHITE”. He is working as Composer, Singer and Guitarist in this Band. The band will release its first album in near future which is currently in progress.

TEACHING CAREER

Usman has been also associated with the top ranked educational institutions of this country including Aitchison College Lahore (most prestigious educational institution of Pakistan having a history of more than 100 years) Lahore Grammar School System and Beacon House School System as a Music Teacher. He possesses flair not only for singing but also for acting, theatre productions, and stage /event management. He acted in many theater dramas, organized many events and parties during his college life in NCA.

ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS

Usman has received several awards during his musical career of 11 years. Some of the prominent ones are: • Certificate of Grade One Theory (Western Music Notation Certificate) from ROYAL SCHOOL OF LONDON during his Masters in Punjab University. • Best Band “ZhuhZ” Award (March 2007) at Rafi Peer Youth Festival.

• Nominated twice as an instrumentalist for SAARC Conference organized in India & Bangladesh (2009 & 2010).