Life & Legacy

Everybody seems to know what's goin' wrong but everybody keep goin' on and on ...

On November 9th, 1972, as a result of a military coup lead by Idi Amin, a newly wed couple were forced to leave everything they knew in their home country of Uganda and flee to Canada. Nazmudin and Nargis Virani were political refugees entering a land they knew nothing about. Nargis was also pregnant at the time and was due to give birth to her first child in January, 1973. The following year, on June 19th,1974, Nazmudin and Nargis gave birth to their second child in Vancouver, BC … Riaz Nazmudin Virani.

Growing up, Riaz attended 11 elementary schools. The Virani’s moved often in search of better employment opportunities and made the move from Vancouver to Toronto in 1998. It was in Toronto, during his teen years, that Riaz would form new friendships that would make music his lifelong passion and pursuit.  

“I met a group of guys that really loved music. They were students at this special school for artistically gifted kids and talked about it constantly, but more importantly, played exceptionally well. I listened. I learned. I asked questions. I tried to jam, but often was too intimidated. Hanging with them though, I was like a sponge. I took it all in and fell in love with music.”

In 1993, Riaz began his undergrad in Physics at the University of Waterloo, but continued to write and practice guitar. In 1995, he traveled through Western Europe relying solely on his guitar for food and shelter. “Traveling with my guitar really shaped me.  It taught me that music brings people together. It unites them. I still love busking on a busy street corner. I find it fascinating how people react. When I play my own music, it can be overwhelming."

After graduating, Riaz moved out west in search work. “I moved to Kelowna and worked in the tourism industry for awhile. It was good money, but the need to write and play my music was always there. Finally, it became insatiable.”

In 2007, Riaz formed his first band, Break The Pattern. The trio, Jason Morris, Nick Salisbury and Riaz didn’t last long. His drummer, Nick Salisbury, passed away unexpectedly. "When Nick died, so did I. Rebuilding Break the Pattern is a priority, but right now I’m content with doing things myself and bringing in a band if the venue or show calls for it. Some of my favorite shows are just me with my guitar.” ~ Riaz Virani (1974 - 2015)