Hani Mojtahedy

Hani Mojtahedy (Sanandaj, 1980) is a Kurdish singer. Her work offers an interesting blend of Persian music, contemporary influences, and Kurdish lyrics, which speaks of her complex cultural background.

After studying traditional Persian music, Mojtahedy began her singing career in 2000, hoping to pursue a career in Iran. She founded the first Iranian band consisting exclusively of female musicians, Vian, and was allowed to perform by the Iranian Ministry of Culture, though only under the condition that no man be present during the performances. It was also forbidden to photograph or record it. In 2004, she decided to walk away from her home country and her family for the sake of her future as a professional musician. Mojtahedy has been living and working in Berlin since, receiving wider recognition and performing on TV as well as at international music festivals.

As a role model for many women in her homeland, her art takes on a greater meaning due to her political engagement in support of Kurdish independence and, more broadly, as a human rights advocate.