Biography
Who is Shahin Najafi?
Early life and real name
Shahin Najafi: Morteza Najafipour Moghadam was born on September 10, 1980, in Bandar-e Anzali, Iran. When he was six years old, his father passed away. Later, his brother also died after struggling with drug addiction.
During his teenage years, Shahin began writing poetry. At the age of 18, he started learning the guitar in classical and flamenco styles. He performed as an underground artist in Iran, working with various bands before studying sociology at the University of Gilan, where he was eventually expelled for expressing his opinions.
Music career and immigration
Before moving to Germany, Shahin led an underground music band in Iran. The Islamic republic government banned him for offenses against the Islamic faith after his second music show. After immigrating to Germany, he led the Inan music band and later joined the Tapesh 2012 music band.
On May 1, 2008, Shahin released his first studio album titled Ma mard nistim with Tapesh 2012. This release marked his official entrance into Persian hip-hop music. He ended his cooperation with Tapesh 2012 at the beginning of 2009 after a single was released on Voice of America television without permission.
Political activism and albums
Following the 2009 Iranian election protests, Shahin released a single named Neda in July 2009 in memory of an activist killed during the demonstrations. On September 19, 2009, he released his second studio album, Tavahhom, through the German-Iranian publishing house Pamas-Verlag.
The album featured songs addressing intense protests against the Iranian government and political oppression. In January 2010, he formed a new rock band named Antikarisma alongside Babak Khazaei, Armin Mostaed, and Pejman Afshari in Germany.
Controversies and threats
Shahin faced severe backlash following the release of his song Ay Naghi. Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani and Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi both issued fatwas declaring him guilty of apostasy. Also, a website offered a bounty for his killing, and various groups launched online campaigns against him.
Despite the threats, Shahin continued his artistic work. Filmmaker Till Schauder directed a documentary titled When God Sleeps, which detailed Shahin's life under the shadow of the fatwa. He also authored several books, including When the God is Asleep, Azazel, Bitrex, and Tara Ensan.
Birthday and age
Shahin Najafi was born on September 10, 1980, which makes Shahin 46 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Shahin shares the date with 48 other famous people.
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