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Ahmad Zahir: Brief Biography Born on June 14, 1946 in the province of Laghman, Ahmad Zahir was destined to bring his talents and influence to Afghan music. Ahmad Zahir began his involvement with the musical arts at a very young age playing the tambour, mandolin and accordion. In the early 1960s at Habibia High School in Kabul, he joined the musical band and began performing in school concerts. This period witnessed the creations of a new wave of Western influenced music dubbed "amaturi" (amateur) or non-professional because the musicians did not came from traditional families who made their living on music. However, it should be noted that the Western influenced musical movement took root in the early 1950s by the late composer and conductor of Kabul Radio Ustad Salim Sarmast, vocalist Sarban and composer Naynawaz. By the late 1960s, Ahmad Zahir began to fully contribute to this new musical movement. Blessed with an extraordinary voice and acute musical instincts, Ahmad Zahir directed Afghan music to new depths. He also had the opportunity to work with the best individuals in the Kabul music scene such as the late saxophonist Ustad Ismail Azimi, trumpeter Ustad Nangalai and composers Naynawaz, Taranasaz, Mas'our Jamal, along with others. With a strong passion and determination, Ahmad Zahir recorded 22 albums and three volumes at Radio Afghanistan. Along with singing some of the best compositions of love songs, ghazals and free verse poems, Ahmad Zahir also sang poems with compelling meaning and depth that rendered social political themes; these songs include Zendagi Akher Sarayad (Life Comes to an End), Ma'ra az en Qafas Azad Konad (Free Me From This Cage) and many others. Ahmad Zahir's vision was beyond other artists because he sought to awaken his people through his lyrics and music. Unfortunately, Ahmad Zahir's life came to an end on his 33rd birthday on the morning of June 14, 1979. He was murdered, speculated by elements of the ruling Khalq regime. With a legacy left behind, Ahmad Zahir influenced an entire generation of makers and lovers of music, which still continues. His humanity, talent, radiance, voice and spirit will always remain in his people's hearts, proving that the spirit of culture can never be killed--it lives forever.

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