List of the contemporary Kurdish singers

The land of the Kurds has given birth to numerous talented singers who have captivated audiences with their soul-stirring melodies and deep-rooted lyrics. Kurdish music has a long and storied history, dating back centuries. It has been an integral part of Kurdish culture, serving as a medium for storytelling, expressing emotions, and preserving traditions. Kurdish singers have played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting their cultural identity through their music

. Despite various challenges, such as political repression and cultural constraints, Kurdish singers have continued to raise their voices and share their talents with the world. Kurdish music is not only a form of entertainment but also serves as a powerful tool for cultural expression and preservation. It is deeply rooted in the Kurdish identity, reflecting their history, struggles, and aspirations. Through their music, Kurdish singers have played a crucial role in strengthening the Kurdish community’s sense of belonging, fostering unity, and inspiring future generations to embrace their heritage.

In this blog post we will bring you the list of the most famous contemporary Kurdish singers.

List of Kurdish singers:

1. Zakaria Abdulla

Zakaria Abdulla is a prominent Kurdish singer who was born in Erbil. In 1993, he moved to Sweden and began his music career there. Initially, he played keyboards and worked with various Kurdish singers. In 1998, he released his debut album titled “To Hati,” which helped him gain recognition and establish himself in the music industry. Zakaria Abdulla’s music is known for its unique blend of traditional Kurdish elements with modern influences. He has since released several successful albums and has become one of the most well-known Kurdish singers.

2. Ahmet Kaya

Ahmet Kaya was a prominent Turkish-Kurdish singer, songwriter, and activist. He was born on October 28, 1957, in Malatya, Turkey. Known for his powerful and emotional vocal style, Ahmet Kaya became one of the most influential figures in Turkish music history.

Throughout his career, Ahmet Kaya released numerous albums and composed songs that touched upon social and political issues. He sang about love, justice, and the struggle of the Kurdish people for their rights. His music resonated with many and became a voice for the marginalized and oppressed.

Ahmet Kaya faced challenges and controversies due to his outspoken nature and commitment to his Kurdish identity. In 1999, he was forced to leave Turkey and seek refuge in France due to his outspoken stance on the Kurdish issue. Despite living in exile, he continued to create music that resonated with people from different backgrounds.

Tragically, Ahmet Kaya passed away on November 16, 2000, at the age of 43. His legacy as a talented musician and fearless advocate for human rights lives on, and his songs continue to inspire and move people to this day. Ahmet Kaya’s contributions to music and his advocacy for social justice have left an indelible mark on Turkish and Kurdish culture.

3. Navid Zardi

Navid Zardi is a talented Kurdish singer who was born in Mahabad, located in Rojhelat (Iranian Kurdistan). He currently resides in Düsseldorf, Germany. Navid Zardi rose to prominence in 2013 with the release of his debut single titled “Forsat.”Navid Zardi’s music is a fusion of traditional Kurdish folk music and contemporary Western influences. He skillfully incorporates elements of rock, jazz, and pop into his sound. His lyrics often revolve around themes of love, heartbreak, and society.

With a string of hits and mega-hits, Navid Zardi has garnered a massive fan base worldwide. Some of his notable songs include “To” (2018), “Zhianawa” (2012), and “Rega” (2011). He has also released a three-track EP titled “Nigaran Maba” in 2016.Navid Zardi’s popular singles include “Azizakam,” “Bombe,” “Faryad Son,” “Halparke To,” “Lawa Lawa,” “To Pirozi,” and “Wara Dare.” His latest mega-hit is “Poz,” featuring the French singer GIMS, which is part of his new album.Navid Zardi’s music has captivated millions of listeners globally, solidifying his position as one of the leading Kurdish artists in the industry. Zardi strives to promote Kurdish culture through his content and songs.

4. Ciwan Haco

Ciwan Haco, a Kurdish singer, was born in 1957 in Tirbespî, near Qamişlo in Syria. His grandfather was originally from Doğançay, Turkey. After completing high school, Ciwan Haco moved to Germany to further his studies. He pursued a degree in musicology at the Ruhr University Bochum. Currently, he resides in Sweden.

Ciwan Haco is recognized as one of the pioneering Kurdish singers to blend Kurdish folk music with western-style pop, rock, blues, and jazz. In 2003, he obtained permission for a concert in Batman, which drew a crowd of over 200,000 people. Known for his intentionally simple lyrics, Ciwan Haco often explores the theme of love with various interpretations. The lead track from his most recent album “Off” (2006), titled “Li hêviya te” (Waiting for you), showcases vocals in both the Kurmanci and French languages, with the latter being performed by a female vocalist. Ciwan Haco is immensely popular not only among the Kurdish diaspora but also with the Kurdish people in the Middle East. He has performed numerous concerts throughout Europe, drawing audiences of thousands.

5. Aynur Doğan

Aynur Doğan was born in Çemişgezek, a small mountain town in Tunceli Province, Turkey, and emigrated to Istanbul in 1992. She studied saz and türkü singing at a prominent music school in Istanbul, the Arif Sağ Müsik. In 2004, she released the album “Keçe Kurdan” under the Kalan Müzik label. However, the album was banned in 2005 due to the court’s belief that certain words in the songs would promote division and encourage women to leave their partners and go to the mountains.

The ban was lifted the following year. Aynur Doğan also had a minor role as herself in the 2005 movie “Gönul Yarası.” In 2012, due to repeated threats by right-wing and anti-Kurdish militants, she relocated to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Aynur Doğan’s remarkable vocal style and achievements in the music industry have positioned her as a prominent representative of the Kurdish people in Turkey and across the globe. She has brought the richness of Kurdish oral tradition, some dating back at least 300 years, to the international stage. Aynur has collaborated with numerous musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, Kayhan Kalhor, Javier Limón, Kinan Azmeh, Nederland Blazers Ensemble, NDR Bigband, and many others.

6. Chopy Fatah

Chopy Shakir Fatah is a contemporary Kurdish singer, born on June 10, 1983, in Kirkuk, southern Kurdistan. She gained prominence when she became the cultural ambassador for Asiacell Telecom Company in 2008, which resulted in numerous billboards featuring her placed across Iraq.

Chopy has performed in several countries including Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Greece, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. She is widely recognized in Kurdish-populated areas of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, and is known for singing in both Kurdish-Sorani and Kurdish-Kurmanci.

Chopy has given concerts throughout Kurdistan, including Diyarbakir, Batman, Arbil, Qamishlo, Sulaimaniyah, and Van. She was one of the first singers to perform in the city of Kirkuk after the fall of Saddam’s dictatorship, and her concerts have been attended by notable Iraqi and Kurdish politicians. Chopy also held a performance in Diyarbakir in front of 2 million people to support peace and freedom for the Kurds in Turkey. In 2013, she was chosen as the Kurdish flag bearer for the One Young World Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the Kurdish flag was hoisted alongside flags of 190 other countries.

7. Alend Hazim

Alend Hazam is a talented young Kurdish singer hailing from the city of Duhok. He discovered his passion for singing at a young age and in 2008, he participated in a singing contest on VIN TV. His exceptional talent and captivating performances led him to become the champion of the competition. Alend Hazam’s songs have garnered millions of views on YouTube, captivating audiences from all over the world. He has gained a strong fan base due to his unique blend of modern Kurdish music with traditional folklore melodies. In addition to singing in Kurdish, Alend Hazam also beautifully renders songs in Assyrian, showcasing his versatility and connection to different cultures.

8. Halwest

Halwest, a Kurdish singer, was born in the Halabja Governorate of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. He developed an early passion for music and began singing as a child in the “Children’s Music Band of Halabja”. At the young age of 14, he gained recognition when his first music video, “Be To”, was broadcasted on TV in 2002

Halwest has released two original albums in addition to several singles. His debut album, titled “BRO”, features 12 tracks showcasing his musical talent and unique style. The success of his first album was followed by the release of his second album, “Tawanbar”, which consists of 13 tracks.Throughout his career, Halwest has achieved acclaim for his exceptional talent and has been honored with multiple “Best Singer” awards at various music festivals in Sulaymaniyah. His heartfelt and captivating performances have garnered him a dedicated fan base and have made him a beloved figure in the Kurdish music scene. Halwest’s contributions to the Kurdish music industry continue to inspire and entertain audiences both within Kurdistan and beyond.

9. Karwan Kamil

Karwan Kamil, a talented Kurdish singer, was born on December 25th in Duhok, Kurdistan region of Iraq. His passion for music and singing emerged at a young age, and he began showcasing his talent by singing the song “Sotim Yare Jiber Cuna Te”. Recognizing his inherent musical abilities, Karwan Kamil dedicated himself to honing his skills and embarked on a journey to share his talents with the entire Kurdistan region and the Middle East.In 1999, Karwan Kamil transitioned into a professional singer and gained significant recognition with the release of his music video “Ax Bilbil”. The popularity of the song garnered him a wide following and a multitude of fans.

With his captivating performances and exceptional musical prowess, Karwan Kamil emerged as one of the most talented stars in the Kurdish music scene.In 2012, Karwan Kamil achieved a significant milestone when his collaboration with Dashne Mûrad on the song “Binaz” became the first Kurdish song to amass millions of views on YouTube. This accomplishment solidified his status as a prominent figure in Kurdish music, and his song resonated with audiences far and wide.Karwan Kamil’s dedication to his craft and his ability to touch the hearts of his listeners have made him a beloved and respected artist. His contributions to Kurdish music continue to captivate audiences and inspire other aspiring musicians. Karwan Kamil’s talent and success serve as a testament to his enduring passion for music.

10. Nazdar

Nazdar, a talented Kurdish singer, was born in Jazira in 1987, into an artistic family. In 1993, she relocated to Germany, where she has been residing ever since. At the young age of 6, Nazdar showcased her musical abilities by participating in her first competition, performing her own song. Additionally, between 1982 and 2002, she also took on acting roles in various plays, showcasing her versatility as an artist.Nazdar furthered her education in the field of music at the Folklore Institute, where she gained comprehensive knowledge and skills. She successfully completed her studies and obtained her diploma degree from Kuma Jonan and Zaroka.

It is worth mentioning that Nazdar’s father, Hassan Baikara (boti), is a famous singer who works in researching the Botan province. Though, He is not only the author of numerous poems but has also composed various melodies for Nazdar and other artists, showcasing their collective musical talent.Nazdar’s upbringing in an artistic family, combined with her dedication to her craft and her education, have contributed to her success as a singer. Her unique voice and passionate performances have gained her recognition and a devoted fanbase. Nazdar’s musical journey continues to inspire and entertain audiences with her remarkable talent and artistic expression.