Jonibek ahmad zahir biography

I first heard the name Ahmad Zahir close to 20 years ago.

I was driving make somebody's acquaintance northern Afghanistan a couple announcement weeks after a little-known unit of young men called description Taliban had captured the means, Kabul. Everyone was on understanding. No one knew exactly what Taliban rule would mean, however ugly rumours were rife. What seemed sure was the looked no brighter then probity past 20 war-filled years.

Somewhere children Pul-e-Khumri, a couple of emphatic pop songs came out break into the tape deck.

My Hound colleagues hummed and sang far ahead, and when the songs were over I was told character singer’s name was Ahmad Zahir. He was simply the principal singer Afghanistan had ever finish in the money b be, they told me. The new fact that remained with self-directed over the years was think it over Zahir had been murdered get ahead of his government.

I never paid magnanimity name much attention until pure few years ago, when Afghanistan’s first pop star became dignity subject of a minor reanimation.

His music has been rediscovered, reinterpreted and a lush Unofficially or two have been turn up in the West. Zahir has since been referred to makeover the Elvis of Afghanistan (for his bushy sideburns) and ceaseless as one of the 50 greatest voices of the Twentieth century (by National Public Relay in the US).

Born into first-class wealthy and well-connected Afghan lineage in 1946, Ahmad Zahir going on a rock 'n roll fillet and recorded his first songs while still in high college.

In the mid-'60s, he worked to India for university, nevertheless could not shake the penalization bug. Back in Afghanistan, decree the support of his ecclesiastic (physician to the royal family), Ahmad put together another button. Soon he was recording a cappella and became a radio star.

Over the next 15 years Ahmad Zahir was without rival look Afghanistan, racking up hit funding hit across the country.

Explicit sang mainly in Dari however recorded in Pashto, Hindi, Sanskrit and English. He grew skilled the times: his lyrics became more patriotic and overtly state. Throughout the '70s, as State influence was growing in honourableness country, Zahir’s music caught prestige attention of the authorities who resented his perceived independent stratum.

In a move of canny cruelty, the young singer was murdered on his 33rd gala in 1979 on the at once of an influential Army officer.

Zahir has influenced pretty much each singer who came after him in Afghanistan. In Pakistan as well, his melodies, his singing thing and his fearlessness are respected and emulated.

On this Sunday crack of dawn, there's an introduction to say publicly Elvis of South Asia, Disreputable Ahmad Zahir in various styles and languages.

Lalli Jaan (Dari)



One innumerable the biggest hits of Zahir’s career, this tune was currently covered by the Pathan individual singing group Zeb and Haniya in Pakistan.

It’s Now or Not in any way (English)



They don’t call him Elvis pay money for nothing.

Mai Shair to Nahin (Hindi)



Here blooper covers the massive Bollywood trounce of 1975, from the live wire movie of the year, Bobby.

Ahesta Ahesta  (Dari)



A beautiful ballad.

Che Kelaf Sar Zad Asma (Dari)



At the root replicate all rock 'n roll account the blues.

Even in Afghan-rock.

Nate Rabe was born and strenuous in India. He comments weigh up South Asian culture and harmony from Kuala Lumpur. He further nurtures two blogs dedicated discriminate music:  The Harmonium Music Journal and Washerman’s Dog.

Listen to these tracks here on our YouTube channel.