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Iran pop singer silenced, but his song remains a protest anthem
Baraye, the Persian word "For" or "Because", is composed of tweets about the protests and highlights longings people have for things lacking in sanctions-hit Iran, where many complain of hardship caused by economic mismanagement.
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A man watches a video of Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour, who was released in Tehran today after being arrested for his song in support of protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on October 4, 2022. Hajipour, a 25-year-old Iranian pop singer and songwriter, rose to fame for the song (AFP /Khaled Desouki)
E
ven though he has been silenced, Iranian pop singer Shirvin Hajipour's impassioned song in support of protests over Mahsa Amini's death in custody remains an unofficial anthem of the movement.
The song "Baraye" notched up 40 million views on Instagram before it was deleted when Hajipour was arrested, but he has since been freed on bail and has distanced himself from politics, likely as a condition for his release.
Baraye, the Persian word "For" or "Because", is composed of tweets about the protests and highlights longings people have for things lacking in sanctions-hit Iran, where many complain of hardship caused by economic mismanagement.
It also draws on everyday activities that have landed people in trouble with the authorities in the Islamic republic.
"For the sake of dancing in the streets; Because of the fear felt while kissing; For my sister, your sister, your sisters," the song's lyrics say.
"Because of the embarrassment of an empty pocket; Because we are longing for a normal life... Because of this polluted air."
Baraye has been heard played loudly at night from apartment blocks in Iran to show support for protests sparked by Amini's death on September 16, after the notorious morality police arrested her for allegedly breaching rules requiring women to wear hijab headscarves and modest clothes.
