Famous Afghan Singers

Ahmad Zahir was an Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer known as the "Elvis of Afghanistan." He is widely regarded as the greatest singer in Afghan music history. Zahir recorded over 14 studio albums that showcased his unique blend of folk music, Persian literature, Indian classical music, and Western pop and rock styles. His sudden death on his 33rd birthday in 1979 left a lasting impact on Afghan music. Zahir's influence and contributions have solidified his status as an iconic figure in Afghan music history, revered for his musical prowess and artistic legacy.

Sonita Alizadeh is an Afghan rapper and activist known for her outspoken stance against forced marriages. She gained recognition with the release of "Brides for Sale," a powerful music video addressing the issue of daughters being sold into marriage. With the assistance of filmmaker Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami, Alizadeh's story was documented in the film "Sonita." After receiving support from the Strongheart Group, she relocated to the United States to pursue her education. Alizadeh's work has earned her international acclaim, including being named one of BBC's 100 Women.

Mozhdah Jamalzadah is an Afghan Canadian singer, actress, model, and activist. With a successful career in the entertainment industry, she gained popularity for hosting The Mozhdah Show in Afghanistan, focusing on important social issues like women's rights. Her work as a singer has brought her international acclaim, showcasing her talent and passion for music. Additionally, her advocacy work as an activist has further solidified her reputation as a prominent figure dedicated to making a positive impact on society.

Farhad Darya is a highly acclaimed Afghan singer, composer, music producer, and philanthropist. With a career spanning since the 1980s, he is known for his influence in Afghan pop music, blending urban and rural styles, and contributing to the establishment of the new wave in Afghanistan. Darya's versatility is evident in his diverse musical genres, from semi-classical ghazal to pop, folk, and rock, performed in multiple languages. As a dedicated philanthropist and human rights advocate, he actively supports various charitable organizations and has served as a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Afghanistan.

Abdul Rahim Sarban, known professionally as Sarban, was an Afghan singer renowned for his unique blend of Western musical influences with traditional Afghan music. Throughout his career, Sarban innovatively fused elements of Jazz and "Belle Chanson" with Afghan musical traditions, creating a distinct and captivating sound. His music resonated with audiences, showcasing his talent in orchestrating melodies and rhythms that transcended cultural boundaries. Sarban's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians across genres, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

Seeta Qasemi, also known as Seeta Qasemie, is an Afghan singer-songwriter renowned for her contributions to the music industry. She made her debut in the Afghan music scene in 2008 and has since captivated audiences with her versatile talents. Singing in both Pashto and Dari languages, she has showcased her vocal prowess and songwriting skills. Currently residing in Germany, Seeta Qasemi continues to enchant listeners with her unique style and soulful performances, solidifying her reputation as a respected artist in the music world.

Mohammad Hussain Sarahang, known as Ustad Sarahang, was an Afghan ghazal singer and a master of Indian classical music. Hailing from Kabul, Afghanistan, he gained fame as the "crown of Afghanistan's music." Sarahang's professional life was marked by his exceptional talent and dedication to preserving and promoting Afghan musical traditions. His soulful renditions of ghazals captivated audiences, earning him a prominent place in the world of music. He was revered for his artistry and contribution to the cultural heritage of Afghanistan.

Aryana Sayeed is a prominent Afghan pop singer and women's rights activist. She is known for her captivating performances in Dari, Pashto, and Uzbek languages. Sayeed has hosted musical television shows on popular networks and made appearances on reality programs. She has gained widespread recognition as one of Afghanistan's leading contemporary musical talents, frequently performing at concerts and charitable events both in Afghanistan and internationally. Sayeed's work highlights her dedication to music, activism, and philanthropy.

Dawood Sarkhosh, an ethnic Hazara artist, is recognized for his talents as a singer, musician, and poet. His professional life is marked by a dedication to promoting Hazara culture through his music and poetry, which often touch on themes of identity, love, and hardship. Through his work, Sarkhosh has garnered a strong following among those who appreciate the beauty of his voice and the depth of his lyrics. He continues to captivate audiences with his performances and remains a prominent figure in the world of Afghan music.

Ghezaal Enayat is an acclaimed Afghan singer and songwriter who gained recognition for her versatile vocal abilities in both Pashto and Dari languages. Starting her career in Afghanistan, she transitioned to Canada in 2011 to pursue music professionally. Known for hits such as "Dil-e Beqarar" and collaborations with fellow artists, she has garnered widespread popularity. Notable achievements include being the first Afghan singer to venture into Bollywood and receiving awards for her outstanding contributions to the music industry. With successful performances across various countries, Ghezaal Enayat continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Ustad Farida Mahwash is an Afghan singer known as the voice of Afghanistan. She was the first woman to be honored with the title of "Ustad" in 1977. Mahwash currently resides in Fremont, California, USA, and travels globally with her acclaimed ensemble, Voices of Afghanistan. With a career spanning decades, she has captivated audiences with her powerful and emotive vocals, showcasing the rich musical heritage of Afghanistan. Mahwash's contributions to Afghan music have solidified her reputation as a masterful artist and cultural ambassador.

Farid Zoland is an Afghan songwriter and composer known for collaborating with musicians from various countries, predominantly Iran. With a career spanning decades, Zoland has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. His work showcases a fusion of diverse musical influences, reflecting his cross-cultural collaborations. Zoland's compositions and songwriting have garnered him recognition and acclaim, contributing to the rich tapestry of the global music scene. His dedication to creating musical connections across borders has solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented artist.

Amir Jan Sabori is a versatile artist with talents in singing, composing music, and poetry. Hailing from Herat, Afghanistan, he has made a significant impact on the music scene. Despite a hiatus in his career, he made a comeback in 2005 with the release of his album "This Is Life." Sabori's influence extends beyond his own work, as he has contributed to the success of emerging artists like Tawab Arash through production efforts. His documentary "Golden Dream" serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the industry.

Jalil Zaland was a prominent figure in Afghanistan's golden music era, earning the honorific Ustad for his contributions to music. He was a veteran singer and composer known for his classic melodies that were celebrated not only in Afghanistan but also in Iran and Tajikistan. Zaland co-founded the first amateur band for Radio Afghanistan and composed several national anthems. His hit song "Man Amadeam" became widely popular, and he led the creation of a significant 30-piece orchestra blending Eastern and Western music influences.

Ahmad Wali is an Afghan Ghazal singer who began his career in the 1970s. He gained popularity in Afghanistan before being forced to flee due to political upheaval. After resettling in Germany, he continued his music career, performing across Europe and North America. Wali's talent was recognized by Radio Kabul director and famous Afghan singer Ustad Zaland. He developed a following in Afghanistan with appearances on national television and radio programs. Wali also performed benefit concerts to support Afghan refugees and celebrated Afghanistan's National Independence Day in Washington D.C.

Ustad Awalmir was a prominent Afghan composer, musician, singer, and poet known for his contributions to Pashto music. He began his musical journey as a teenager, learning from various teachers and eventually performing on radio broadcasts. With over 250 songs to his name, he made a breakthrough in the industry with the help of local poet Malang Jan. His music, including the popular song "Da Zamong Zeba Watan," earned him the honorary title of Ustad from the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Sohaila Zaland is a renowned Afghan singer known for her captivating vocals and musical talent. She has gained popularity for her hit songs, including "Waqti Ashiq Shawi," which has been covered by various Iranian artists. Despite facing initial disapproval from her family, Sohaila has persevered in her musical career and has carved a niche for herself in the music industry. With a low-profile approach in recent years, she continues to enchant audiences with her soulful performances and remains a respected figure in the music scene.

Rahim Mehryar was a renowned singer from Afghanistan known for his successful musical partnership with his wife, singer Parasto. Together, they dominated the pop music scene in Afghanistan during the late 1980s. The duo continued their musical career in Germany after relocating there. Rahim Mehryar's talent and passion for music led to a successful career that spanned decades, earning him recognition as one of the most accomplished singers in Afghan music history. His legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to the music industry.

Sayed Anwar Azad is a renowned ethnic Hazara folkloric singer from Afghanistan, known for his expertise in playing traditional Hazara music on the dambura. With a career spanning several decades, Azad has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of his community. His artistic journey began in his early twenties when he immersed himself in the captivating world of Hazara folkloric and regional traditional music. Through his talent and passion, Azad has become a respected figure in the music industry, captivating audiences with his soulful performances.

Mermon Parwin was a pioneering Afghan singer known for breaking barriers for women in the music industry. She became the first Afghan singer to be broadcast live on Radio Kabul, marking a significant milestone in the country's history. Parwin's performance of the song "Gulfrosh" in 1951 paved the way for other Afghan women to pursue careers as newscasters, singers, and radio presenters. She signed a contract with Radio Afghanistan and recorded a total of 320 songs, showcasing her talent and contributing to the cultural landscape of Afghanistan.

Farzana Naz is an Afghan female singer known for her Pashto songs. She began her career in Pakistan due to the unstable situation in Afghanistan, gaining recognition through performances on Pashto entertainment channels. With hit songs like "Paighla De Kabul" and "Shamal," she has garnered positive responses and popularity in Afghanistan. Notable performances include a successful concert in Lashkar Gah, Helmand, attended by thousands. In 2021, she released the 'Afghani Tadka' Music Album on the zee music platform, produced by KR Wahi and directed by Shabby.

Rahim Bakhsh, known as a maestro of Hindustani classical music, was a prominent figure in the classical music scene of Afghanistan and neighboring countries. He established a new classical music tradition in Afghanistan and was recognized as a leading authority in the field. Belonging to the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music, Bakhsh made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of this musical style. His influence and legacy continue to be celebrated, with his grave in Kabul being a sacred site for Sufi prayers.

Zahir Howaida was an Afghan Hazara musician known for his deep, soulful voice. He began his career in the 1960s and gained popularity with hit songs such as "Kamar Bareek-e-Man" and "Shanidam Az Inja Safar Mikoni." Most of his songs were in the Persian language. In addition to his singing career, he 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.

Elaha Soroor is a pop singer from Afghanistan known for her participation in the popular musical reality show Afghan Star. She has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and unique style, showcasing her talent on a platform similar to the Idol franchise. As a member of the Hazara ethnic group, she brings a distinctive cultural perspective to her music, blending traditional influences with contemporary pop sensibilities. Through her performances and recordings, Elaha Soroor continues to make a significant impact in the music industry, both in Afghanistan and beyond.

Qamar Gula was a prominent Afghan Canadian musician known for her contributions to Pashto music. She made history as the second female Pashto language singer to perform for Radio Television Afghanistan, following in the footsteps of Rukhshana. With a career spanning nearly five decades, she established herself as a veteran in the Afghan music industry. Her influence and talent were widely recognized, leaving a lasting impact on the Pashto music scene and inspiring future generations of musicians.