Ahmad Zahir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ahmad Zahir
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| Background information | |
| Native name |
احمد ظاهر
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| Birth name | Ahmad Zahir |
| Born | 14 June 1946 Kabul, Kingdom of Afghanistan |
| Died | 14 June 1979 (aged 33) Salang Tunnel, Parwan/Baghlan, Democratic Republic of Afghanistan |
| Genres | Romantic, pop, classic |
| Occupation(s) | |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1964–1979 |
| Parents |
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Ahmad Zahir (Dari/Pashto: احمد ظاهر; 14 June 1946 – 14 June 1979) was a famous Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer. People called him the "Elvis of Afghanistan" because he was so popular. Many believe he is the greatest Afghan singer ever. He sang most of his songs in Dari, but also in Pashto, Russian, Urdu, and English.
Born in Kabul, Ahmad Zahir recorded many albums before he died on his 33rd birthday in 1979. His music mixed different styles like folk, Persian, Indian classical, and Western pop and rock. Many Afghans see him as a music legend. He is remembered for his big impact on music in Afghanistan. He also became a symbol of Afghanistan before the wars began.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Ahmad Zahir was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, on June 14, 1946. He came from a Pashtun family.
His father, Abdul Zahir, was a doctor for the royal family. He also served as the Minister of Health and later as the Prime Minister of Afghanistan from 1971 to 1972. His father was an important person during King Zahir Shah's time. He even helped write Afghanistan's constitution in 1964. Ahmad Zahir had an older sister named Zahira Zahir. She later became known as the hairdresser for U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Music Career
Ahmad Zahir went to Habibia High School in Kabul. There, he started a band with his friends. Omar Sultan played guitar, Farid Zaland played congas, and Akbar Nayab played piano. Ahmad Zahir played the accordion and sang. They performed at local celebrations like Nowruz, Eid ul-Fitr, and Afghan Independence Day. People in Kabul quickly noticed his talent and soulful voice. They called him "Bulbul-e-Habibya," which means "the Nightingale of Habibia."
After high school, he went to Teachers' College in Kabul. He also studied in India for two years to become an English instructor. When he returned, Zahir worked as a journalist for The Kabul Times. But soon, he started working on his first music album. He often worked with Afghan composers Nainawaz and Taranasaz. His first recorded song, "Gar Kuni Yak Nizara," was his own creation. It mixed Indian raga music with Western pop rhythms.
Zahir worked with many talented musicians. He recorded over 22 albums in the 1970s. His songs were known for their beautiful sound, poetic words, and strong emotions. Ahmad Zahir was active in music for only about 10 years. Yet, he managed to record more than 30 albums. This was very unusual for any music industry back then. All his albums were very popular and are still loved today. These recordings were made almost 40 years ago with very little modern technology. Everything was recorded live.
Ahmad Zahir helped make music a more respected job in Afghanistan. This led to the opening of The Kabul Music School in 1974.
After the Saur Revolution, Zahir spoke out against the new communist government. He sang three songs that criticized their actions. He was inspired by John Lennon, who used rock music to protest wars in the West.
His Unique Musical Style
Ahmad Zahir played a huge part in creating the special "Afghan sound" in music. He learned to play many instruments, including the harmonium, guitar, and his favorite, the accordion. His family was wealthy, which allowed him to travel. He got to experience the new music styles of the 1960s and 70s from the United States, Europe, and India. He loved all kinds of music. He mixed parts of Western (pop, rock, jazz), Indian, Middle Eastern (Arabic, Iranian), European, and Afghan Folk music into his songs.
Another great Afghan singer, Sarban, first created the distinct Afghan music style with composer Salim Sarmast. But Ahmad Zahir made this style popular for everyone. Sarban's songs were beautiful but often complex. Ahmad Zahir made the lyrics and music simpler to understand. This made his songs very popular, especially with young people. For example, Zahir's song "Khoda Buwat Yaret" has a clear Afghan sound. Its lyrics are easy for most Persian speakers to understand. Yet, the song is still very poetic and emotional. Because his songs were so easy to enjoy, many future Afghan singers were influenced by Ahmad Zahir. He truly helped create a unique Afghan musical language.
Zahir's first album was recorded with Radio Kabul. It was one of the first Afghan albums in the Western pop style. But it still had a strong Afghan feel. Instead of drums, Zahir used the tabla to keep the rhythm. His favorite instrument, the accordion, was also featured a lot. The most popular song from this album was "Az Ghamat Ay Nazanin."
However, it was his second album that made him a superstar. Critics also praised it as a masterpiece. This album had a very clear Afghan sound, continuing the style created by Sarban. But unlike Sarban's complex music, Zahir's album used simple and easy-to-understand lyrics and music. Songs like "Hama Yaranam," "Rozo Shabam" (with singer Nashenas), "Tanha tuyere," and "Tora Afsoone Chashmanam" became very popular. They had lyrics that appealed to young people and a sound that Afghans loved.
Other albums and songs by Zahir continued this musical style. These included songs like "Agar Bahar Beyayad," "Laili Lail Jan," and "Khuda buwat Yaret." Ahmad Zahir was one of the first Afghan musicians who wasn't afraid to cover songs by other artists. He saw it as a way to honor their talent. He covered songs from Indian films, Iranian songs, and even some Western greats like Elvis Presley. This ability to sing different styles made his own music even better.
His Death
Ahmad Zahir died on June 14, 1979, which was his 33rd birthday. News reports said he died in a car accident near the Salang Tunnel. However, some people believe he was murdered. They think he was killed because his political views were against the communist government at the time. Some stories say he was tricked into leaving the city and then killed. Others believe a high-ranking politician, Hafizullah Amin, ordered his death. This might have been because of a relationship between Zahir and Amin's daughter. A huge crowd of people attended Zahir's funeral in Kabul. They filled the city streets and stopped daily activities.
He left behind a son named Rishad from his first wife, Najia.
Legacy
After his death, Ahmad Zahir was seen as a national hero. His tomb was destroyed by the Taliban in the late 1990s. But his fans later rebuilt it. In 2018, fans renovated it again and started a foundation in his name. They hope to keep his music and memory alive.
Many Afghans know his songs like "Khuda Buwad Yaret," "Asman Khalist," "Agar Bahar Beyayad," "Laili Laili Jan," "Chashme Siya Dari," and "Zim Zim (Kajaki Abroyet)." These songs are considered some of the best in Afghanistan's music history.
National Public Radio (NPR) listed Zahir as one of 50 golden voices in history. These are voices that have made a mark around the world.
In 2018, American film director Sam French began working on a documentary film about Ahmad Zahir's life.
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) (released after his death)
Note: Some songs from the original vinyl records are missing on the audio cassette versions of these albums.
Ariana Music Albums
- Vol. 1 – Daard-e Dil (1972)
- Vol. 2 – Mosum-e Gul (1977)
Note: The original Ariana Music record albums have many hidden songs.
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)
Other Music Information
- He only recorded two music videos for Radio Kabul TV: "Laylee Jaan" in 1976 and "Khuda Buwat Yarret" in 1977.
- Zahir recorded many songs in Radio Kabul and Radio Afghanistan studios. Eight of these recordings were later released as albums.
See also
In Spanish: Ahmad Zahir para niños
