Features

Iran to let underground singer perform in public

Underground musician due to perform in public in Tehran for first time
Xaniar Khosravi will be able to perform in public for the first time (From personal website)
By MEE and agencies
Published date: 12 February 2015 09:00 GMT | Last update: 9 years 9 months ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgSYZbveL2A
TEHRAN - An underground Iranian pop singer will be allowed to perform in public for the first time, it was reported Sunday, prompting him to announce a concert that quickly sold out.

Xaniar Khosravi, whose work has until now been confined to the Internet and illicit venues, announced on Facebook that he would play a gig in Tehran on 24 April, after the official IRNA news agency said his concert had been approved.

"Khosravi has previously released his work online, unofficially, or in other words, underground," the report said, referring to his first album, titled "28" noting that he was now "officially allowed to perform for his audience".

"I am happy to see you all," the singer said on Facebook, referring to those who managed to snap up tickets for his unexpected and oversubscribed gig, which left many admirers disappointed.

"I am so sad I couldn't get a ticket. I wanna die," one unlucky fan wrote on the singer's Facebook page.

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

Under Iran's Islamic sharia law, musicians must be approved by the culture ministry, which checks whether a song's lyrics and music can be deemed in line with the country's moral values.

But many bands release albums without seeking permission.

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.