Creative Visionary Imran Raza Rocks Out at Hollywood Music in Media Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Nov 15, 2011) - Whether pushing boundaries in music or culture, Imran Raza is at the forefront of an exciting, new initiative to reacquaint the world with his home country through music. This filmmaker, writer, and front man of the rock band Sonic Ashtanga is what could only be described as a rock Renaissance man. Sonic Ashtanga will be performing at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards this Thursday, November 17th at the Highlands in the Kodak Theater Complex. The group's hit, "Be Like the Onion," featuring three-time Grammy winner Anton Pukshansky, world-renowned drummer Glen Sobel and Sufi legends Mekaal Hasan, Ahsan Papu and Sanam Marvi is nominated for the award for best song in the World Music category.

Raza is best known for his rock-ragged voice that hearkens back to the illustrious days of rock and roll. However, at the core of his lyrics are the values of liberty, plurality, and human rights. The universal quality of these values anchors Raza's ideology: music translates across the human consciousness and penetrates in a way that is more fundamental than words alone.

His newly launched organization, Bridges of Harmony, is founded on the belief that music can be harnessed toward a real and lasting shift in perceptions across cultures.

The HMMA award show will feature live music performances, award presentations and an exclusive VIP reception to pay homage to the achievements of those who have enhanced the musical media landscape. This year's celebrity hosts include blockbuster film star Eric Roberts, former Matchbox 20 member Adam Gaynor, celebrity spokesmodel Suzan Brittan-Gault, Guns n' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, actor Stephen Bishop, radio host Samantha Phillips, showman and impressionist Greg London, recording artist Howard Hewett and a special appearance by Leah Remini & Debra Messing.

Legendary Motown singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson will be receiving the organization's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

The HMMA is the first organization of its kind to recognize excellence in music supervision and bestow awards on individuals with outstanding career achievement and longevity in entertainment media. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism advocacy organization.

For more information on Imran Raza and his upcoming performance at the HMMA Awards, contact Eileen Koch at Eileen Koch & Company, a public relations firm, at 310.441.1000 or Eileen@eileenkoch.com. Please visit www.eileenkoch.com.