Serj Tankian celebrating 50th birth anniversary (photos)

Prominent US-Armenian rock-musician Serj Tankian is celebrating his 50th birth anniversary on Monday.

The founder and lead vocalist of System of a Down, the singer was raised in Los Angeles, California, where he received his primary education in the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. He later specialized in marketing.

A meeting with Daron Malakian, an Armenian-American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in the 1990s, marked a turning point in the future musician’s life, motivating him to create his own rock band. Tankian now has also a recording studio, Serjical Strike.

The musician is known as a strong opponent of injustice; he has numerously made public speeches condemning brutality and violence. He launched the organization  Axis Of Justice in collaboration with Tom Morello to assist the youth in the protection of their rights. The two singers have conducted various charity campaigns; they are also investing considerable efforts in urging Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

An author of eight individual discs, Tankian has released five albums in the System of A Down.

Tankian’s wife, Angela Madatyan, is a native of Vanadzor whom he married in 2012. Their wedding ceremony was held in Malibu. Interestingly enough, both spouses were born on the same day.

Tankian has extended his best wishes to Angela on Instagram. “To my incredible wife, best friend, and semi-pro photographer @madtank Happy Birthday. This has been our best year yet,” reads his post.