Famous Afghan Musicians

Seeta Qasemi, also known as Seeta Qasemie, is an Afghan singer-songwriter with a career that began in 2008. Singing in both Pashto and Dari languages, she has made significant contributions to the Afghan music scene. Based in Germany, Seeta has garnered recognition for her powerful vocals and emotional performances. Her music resonates with audiences, reflecting her unique style and cultural influences. Through her songs, Seeta has established herself as a talented artist, captivating listeners with her soulful voice and engaging storytelling.

Ghezaal Enayat is an Afghan singer and songwriter who started her career in Afghanistan before moving to Canada to pursue music professionally. She gained fame with her debut duet song "Dil-e Beqarar" and has continued to release hits in both Pashto and Dari languages. Notably, she was the first Afghan singer to collaborate with Bollywood. Throughout her career, Ghezaal has won awards, performed in various countries, and received recognition for her talent, including being named the best singer of the year by BBC Persian.

Farid Zoland is an Afghan songwriter and composer known for his collaborations with musicians from various countries, particularly Iran. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry through his extensive career. Zoland's work reflects a fusion of diverse musical influences, showcasing his versatility and creativity. His collaborations with international artists have contributed to the richness and diversity of his musical repertoire, making him a respected and influential figure in the world of music.

Farhad Darya is a prominent Afghan singer, composer, music producer, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to Afghan pop music. He has played a key role in shaping the modern music scene in Afghanistan by blending urban and rural styles across various genres such as semi-classical ghazal, pop, folk, and rock. Darya is also recognized for his multilingual abilities, singing in Dari Persian, Pashto, Uzbek, Hindi, and English. Beyond music, he is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, serving as a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Afghanistan and supporting various charitable organizations.

Abdul Rahim Sārbān, known as Sarban, was an Afghan singer renowned for blending Western musical styles like Jazz and "Belle Chanson" with traditional Afghan music. Born in Kabul, Sarban's music was characterized by a unique fusion of diverse musical elements, rhythms, and orchestrations. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his innovative approach to music, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to bridge different cultural influences in his songs. Sarban's legacy as a pioneering musician continues to inspire and influence artists in Afghanistan and beyond.

Dawood Sarkhosh, an ethnic Hazara, is a renowned singer, musician, and poet. With a deep connection to his roots, he has carved a distinctive place in the music industry. His emotive performances and poetic lyrics resonate with audiences, showcasing his talent and passion for storytelling. Sarkhosh's music reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Hazara community, captivating listeners with his soulful voice and profound lyrics. Through his artistry, he has become a symbol of pride and inspiration for his people.

Ustad Farida Mahwash is an accomplished Afghan singer known as the voice of Afghanistan. She was honored with the title of "Ustad" in 1977, recognizing her mastery in music. Mahwash currently resides in Fremont, California, and travels worldwide with her ensemble Voices of Afghanistan, showcasing her talent and representing her country's rich musical heritage. With a career spanning decades, she has made significant contributions to Afghan music and is celebrated for her captivating performances and unique vocal style.

Jalil Zaland was a prominent figure in Afghanistan's golden music era, earning the honorific Ustad. As a veteran singer and composer, he was known for his classic melodies, which garnered acclaim in Iran and Tajikistan. Zaland played a key role in establishing the first amateur band for Radio Afghanistan and led the creation of a 30-piece orchestra blending Eastern and Western music traditions. His compositions, including national anthems, left a lasting impact on Afghanistan's music scene, influencing artists like Ahmad Wali.

Amir Jan Sabori is a multitalented artist hailing from Herat, Afghanistan, known for his roles as a singer, musician, composer, and poet. After a period of hiatus, he made a comeback in 2005 with the release of his album "This Is Life." Sabori's impact on the music industry extends beyond his own work, as he has also been involved in the production of emerging artists like Tawab Arash. His career is highlighted by the documentary "Golden Dream," which offers insight into his journey as a renowned artist.

Elaha Soroor, also known as Elaha Sorur, is a pop singer from Afghanistan. She gained recognition through her participation in the musical reality show Afghan Star, which is comparable to the Idol franchise. With a background in the Hazara ethnic group, Elaha has established herself as a prominent figure in the Afghan music scene. Her captivating vocals and engaging performances have won her a dedicated fan base both locally and internationally. Elaha Soroor continues to inspire audiences with her talent and passion for music.

Sohaila Zaland is a renowned Afghan singer known for her captivating vocals and soulful performances. She has gained popularity for her hit song "Waqti Ashiq Shawi," which has been covered by various Iranian singers. Despite facing initial disapproval from her family, she has successfully pursued a career in music and has garnered a dedicated fan base. With a talent for emotive storytelling through her songs, Sohaila continues to enchant audiences with her melodious voice and artistic expression.

Zahir Howaida, also spelled as Zahir Huwaida, was an Afghan Hazara musician known for his deep, soulful voice. He began his career in the 1960s and gained popularity with hit songs like "Kamar Bareek-e-Man" and "Shanidam Az Inja Safar Mikoni." His repertoire mainly consisted of songs in the Persian language. In addition to his music career, Howaida also worked as a radio news anchor, poet, and TV actor. In his later years, he lived a secluded life in Germany and rarely performed until his passing.

Rahim Bakhsh, known as an ustad of Hindustani classical music and classical music culture, was a prominent figure in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. He created a new classical music style in Afghanistan and was a leading authority in the field. Belonging to the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music, he made significant contributions to the music scene. Bakhsh's legacy continues to be honored, with his grave located in Kabul where Sufis gather to pray.