September of Farewell to Iranian Music Icons

Date: 20 September 2025 - 21:56

News ID: ۱۴۳۷۳۰

TEHRAN -- In September, the Iranian music community experienced a profound sense of loss with the passing of several prominent veteran and young musicians, who left this world before the arrival of autumn. These artists played significant roles in the growth and advancement of Iranian music, and this report serves as a tribute to them.

Ahmad Pejman: Veteran Composer and Musician
Ahmad Pejman, born in 1935 in Lar, Fars Province, was a distinguished composer and violinist. He studied under notable teachers like Heshmat Sanjari and pursued further education in Vienna and at Columbia University. Pejman composed across various Western music styles, including symphonies, operas, and rhapsodies, often blending Iranian traditional music with Western techniques.
His first opera, “The Farmer’s Feast” (1967), was well received. Pejman also composed music for 27 films and 30 pop songs, collaborating with renowned directors such as Bahman Farmanara and Majid Majidi. He passed away at age 90 in Los Angeles on September 7. After initial decisions to bury him in the U.S., public calls led to plans for repatriation to his hometown Lar, though this has not yet been completed.

Rahim Ezzatbaghaei: Veteran Sound Engineer
Rahim Ezzatbaghaei, born in 1943 in Tehran, was a veteran sound engineer known for working with legendary musicians like Muhammad-Reza Shajarian, Hussein Alizadeh, and Parviz Meshkatian. He was honored for his contributions to music during the Iran-Iraq War and had a background in acting. He passed away on September 8 at age 82 after battling heart and lung issues. His funeral was held in Tehran on September 13.

Bahman Rajabi: Master Tonbak Player
Bahman Rajabi, born in 1939 in Rasht, was a master and innovator of the tonbak (Persian goblet drum). Beginning his career in the 1970s, he introduced new finger techniques and rhythms to the instrument. He authored important instructional books and contributed significantly to Persian percussion music. Rajabi died on September 10 at age 86 from heart complications. His funeral took place on September 15.

Seyed Aladdin Yasini: Renowned Kurdish Daf Player
Seyed Aladdin Yasini (b. 1967) was a prominent Kurdish daf player and a respected teacher of the spiritual and traditional music of Kurdish regions. Known for his humility and dedication to preserving the sacred nature of his art, he passed away on September 11 from a heart attack at age 58. His funeral was held in Sanandaj, Kurdistan.

Jamshid Azizkhani: Veteran Kurdish Singer and Composer
Jamshid Azizkhani, born in 1956 in Kermanshah, was a leading figure in Kurdish music, known for preserving and promoting the culture of the Zagros mountain regions. He started his career in 1974 and created over 800 Kurdish and Persian songs reflecting local joys and struggles. Azizkhani passed away on September 11 at age 68 in Tehran. His funeral was held in Tehran on September 13.

Omid Jahan: Popular Southern Iranian Singer
Omid Jahan, born in 1982 in Abadan and son of renowned singer Mahmoud Jahan, was a popular singer known for blending southern Iranian local music with pop. He released several albums and performed widely across Iran. Omid suffered a heart attack during a concert on September 12 and died shortly after despite emergency efforts.