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| Ahmad akbari Zahir |
| Birth name |
Ahmad Zahir |
| Born |
June 14, 1946(1946-06-14)
Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Died |
June 14, 1979 (aged 33)
Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Genres |
Mast rock, pop, ghazals |
| Occupations |
Singer, songwriter, composer |
| Instruments |
Harmonium, piano, accordion, electronic keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar |
| Years active |
1967–1979 |
| Labels |
Afghan Music, Aj Musik, EMI, Music Center |
Ahmad Zahir (Persian: احمد ظاهر - Aḥmad Zāhir; 14 June 1946 – 14 June 1979), was an Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer. A celebrity of enduring popularity more than a quarter-century after his death, he is considered an icon of music in Afghanistan.
Ahmad Zahir is sometimes called "the King of Afghan Music". Zahir is remembered as having a style similar to Elvis Presley. Some of his songs also show evidence of influence from English and Hindi songs. Yet Zahir is known for his unique touch and soulful interpretations.
Early years
Ahmad Zahir was born on June 14, 1946 (Jauza 23rd, 1325 of the Jalali calendar) in Kabul.[1] His father, Abdul Zahir, was a royal court doctor, minister of health and also a one-time prime minister, speaker of the parliament and an influential figure in the Zahir Shah era and helped write the Constitution of Afghanistan after graduating from Columbia University of New York. Due to his noble birth, Zahir's profession as a singer became a point of contention between the singer and his elitist father. Still, Zahir loved to sing and pressure by his fans kept him performing. Zahir's music interest developed in the early 1960s with his involvement in his high school band. The Amateur Band of Habibia High School modeled themselves after such Western musical groups as the Beatles. After high school, his father sent Zahir to India in an attempt to force his son to start a career in the medical field, but Zahir went on to study music instead.
Career
1960s
Zahir launched his solo career in the late 1960s. Much to the dismay of his father, who looked forward to a political career for his son, Zahir did not follow his father’s footsteps in statesmanship. Instead, he retained his political insights and later integrated them into his music. He began composing Persian songs based on well recognized verses of Persian poetry, and drew upon classical and modern poetry. The meaning and depth of his songs quickly garnered him national attention, as did his versatile tenor voice. His work earned critics’ commendation from the start. The release of his first album was celebrated on radio and newspapers across Afghanistan as fans fought for the remaining copies.
1970s
Zahir was introduced to the best of Afghanistan’s music scene by the thrilled recording studios. He worked with veteran mentors such as the late Ustad Ismail Azami (saxophonist), Ustad Nangalai (trumpeter), Abdullah Etemadi (drummer), and other musicians including Salim Sarmast, Naynawaz, Taranasaz, and Mas'hour Jamal. He recorded over 22 albums in the 1970s. His songs were noted for their mellifluous tone, poetic style, compelling depth, and passionate emotional evocation. His lyrics covered a wide range of subjects. Many of his songs contained autobiographical elements or political criticism of Afghanistan's government. As a result many of his recordings were destroyed by the government.
In the late 1970s, his iconic image transformed to that of a national hero. Many of his songs from this time period reflected his strong political views.
Death and legacy
Zahir died on June 14, 1979, at the age of 33. The official cause of death was a traffic accident. However, some claim that the communist government in power at the time was responsible for his death. still no clear picture of his death is available.
Ahmad Zahir's son Rishad Zahir currently lives in United States.
Discography
Afghan Music albums
- Vol. 1 - Dilak am (1973)
- Vol. 2 - Bahar (1973)
- Vol. 3 - Shab ha ye zulmane (1974)
- Vol. 4 - Mother (1974)
- Vol. 5 - Awara (1975)
- Vol. 6 - Ghulam-e Qamar (1975)
- Vol. 7 - Sultan Qalbaam (1976)
- Vol. 8 - Az Ghamat Hy Nazaneen (1976)
- Vol. 9 - Gulbadaan (1971)
- Vol. 10 - Yaare Bewafa (1977)
- Vol. 11 - Lylee (1977)
- Vol. 12 - Ahmad Zahir and Jila (1978)
- Vol. 13 - Ahange Zindagee (1978)
- Vol. 14 - Shab-e Hijraan (1979) came out to market after his death...
Note: Audio cassette versions of many of Zahir's Afghan Music albums are missing some songs that are present on the original vinyl records.
Ariana Music albums
- Vol. 1 - Daard-e Dil (1972)
- Vol. 2 - Mosum-e Gul (1977)
Note: The original Ariana Music record albums contain many hidden tracks.
Music Center albums
- Vol. 1 - Ashiq rooyat Mon (1973)
- Vol. 2 - Neshe Gashdum (1976)
- Vol. 3 - Lylee Jaan (1977)
- Vol. 4 - Ahmad Zahir Ba Sitara Haa (1977)
- Vol. 5 - To Baamanee (1978)
Private albums
- Shamali
- Hindi Songs
- Afghanistan Songs
- Agar Bahar Byayad
- Ahmad Zahir & Nainawaaz
- Almase-Sharq
- Gulhaayi-Jawedan
- Gulhayi Nafaramoshshuda
- Khateraha
- Khudaat-Medani Guleman
- Laily-Laily-Jan
- Raaze-Penhan
- Soorodhayie-Jawedan
- Yaad-Mandaha
- Zindani
Other discography information
- He has over 10 private recording albums from 1965–1978.
- He only recorded 2 music videos in Radio Kabul TV: "Laylee Jaan" in 1976 and "Khuda Buwat Yarret" in 1977.
- Ahmad Zahir recorded several songs in Radio Kabul and Radio Afghanistan studios which later came out as albums. Eight of these albums have been released.
- It is said that he has several music videos and a concert recorded on video in Iran.
- It is rumored that Ahmad Zahir has a concert and majliss that Radio Kabul had recorded but that the Khalq regime destroyed the recordings.
References
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