Born in Lebanon, Beirut, the musician gained an worldwide recognition as a vocalist of the rock band System of a Down (which, by the way, would celebrate its 20th anniversary 
this year).
Tankian is now on active concert tours. In September, he is planning to introduce a new project, 100 Years, which is dedicated to the Armenian Genocide centennial.
In 2011, the musician was honored with a medal in Yerevan for his contribution to the Genocide recognition efforts and the spread of the Armenian music.