Pakistan's rock band Junoon has been invited to take part in the most anticipated music event of the year: Live 8. Junoon, called "the U2" of South Asia by The New York Times, is fast becoming a veritable musical force at a global level, its fame propelled further by frontman Salman Ahmed's [left] documentaries on Islam and the modern man, and his role as UN goodwill ambassador for HIV/AIDS.

According to Junoon's press release:

Junoon's Salman Ahmad spoke with Bob Geldof over the phone to accept the invitation to perform alongside international artists like U2, Sir Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Sting, Coldplay and others.

This is truly exciting for all us desis who always wanted to see one of us perform alongside the bigwigs of music. Thanks to Junoon, the chair of South Asia has finally been occupied at this table!

Also, keep a look out for Salman's first solo album Infiniti to be released on July 1st, with songs like Ghooma Tana (a collaboration between Salman Ahmad, Subha Mudgal, Naseeruddin Shah and Nandita Das).

Album Website: http://www.junoonis.com/

We've already pre-ordered ours; what are you waiting for?