Metal-free azo compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein Ra is an aromatic group or an active methylene coupling component radical as defined in the specification,R.sub.t is an arylazo group or a group of the formula -Y-Z, whereinY is a direct bond or a bridging radical, andZ is a basic amino or quaternary ammonium group, ##STR2## wherein each of the variables is as defined above or below, X is a direct bond or a bridging radical,x is hydrogen, hydroxy C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, amino or carboxy, ring B is further unsubstituted or further substituted,d is 0, 1 or 2, andn is 0 or 1,with the provisos that (i) the compounds contain an average of at least 1.3 basic water-solubilizing groups, and (ii) the compounds are free of sulfo groups,and 1:1 and 1:2 metal complexes thereof,which metal-free compounds and metal complexes are useful as dyes for leather and paper.