Ahmad Zahir was the only son born to a father who was a doctor as well as a minister. He was born within the cradle of wealth in a family that had royal connections. Growing up, Ahmad Zahir was expected to follow his father's footsteps and become a doctor, or perhaps an engineer.
After he finished his high school in Kabul, he was sent to India to study college and perhaps start his studies in Medical education. But once in India, he instead chose to study music. This early life crisis that many Afghan youth faces, brought a lot of friction between Ahmad Zahir and his father. Nevertheless, Ahmad Zahir stood firm on his ground and chose to pursue music. Despite being the son of a minister, he was enlisted into the army. At the army base, fellow officers describe days and nights when Ahmad Zahir would simply practice on his harmonium and chose not to perform any obligatory military services. To many officers hearing Ahmad Zahir's voice in their military compound was soothing and helped them forget about the hardships of life.
Once Ahmad Zahir completed his mandatory military term, he bought himself an apartment room at 'Bilak Hai Nazookmeer' [The Nazook Meer Buildings, Sharinow, Kabul]. Nights would turn into days and days into nights, but the music never stopped at Ahmad Zahir's bachelor compound. It is often said that thrones of beautiful women would frequent Ahmad Zahir's apartment. All mesmerized and hypnotized by the magical voice, style and presentation of 'The Minister's Son'.
Afghan radio stations soon started organizing and broadcasting musical performances of Ahmad Zahir. Within months, the whole nation was engulfed in a new realm and genre of music - a music that they witnessed first hand but tens and hundreds of generations later, the voice would remain alive and oscillate the every living unit of an Afghan's existence.
In total Ahmad Zahir released about 13 albums. Some of his albums are regarded as "Arsheef" (or Archives of Kabul Radio) and "Majlisee" (The gatherings). Arsheef music of Ahmad Zahir are recorded performances often played by an orchestra of Afghanistan's finest musicians. Majlisee albums of Ahmad zahir are recordings of his performances in various family gatherings. His most notable majlisee album is with various Indian musical artists that he recorded at his home. The album highlights Ahmad Zahir's youthful side and a heart warming impromptu musical compositions.
Afghanbuzz.com is proud to bring the Afghan music lovers all the albums of Afghanistan's legendary singer - Ahmad Zahir.
Tawab Arash
