Akbar Golpayegani, Renowned Iranian Singer, Passes Away

Akbar Golpayegani, a renowned singer and influential figure in Iranian music, has passed away at the age of 90. According to reports from Iranian media, Mr. Golpayegani, known as 'Golpa', died on Saturday, November 4, after a period of illness. Akbar Golpayegani was born in February 1934 in Tehran. After entering Farhang Elementary School, he was selected as a Quran reciter due to his beautiful voice and learned the basics of singing after becoming acquainted with Ta'ziyeh in his neighborhood. Since 1941, he seriously began learning musical modes under his father's guidance and experienced his first participation in an orchestra and choir. In 1948, he became a member of the School of Military Music Association and continued his musical activities. From 1949 onwards, he became acquainted with several prominent Iranian music artists and received training under these masters. Among these artists were Hassan Yekrangi, Nourali Boroumand, Esmaeil Ghahremani, Abolhassan Saba, Youssef Foroutan, Mohammad Irani Mojarrad, Abdollah Dowami, Adib Khansari, Hossein Taherzadeh, and Soleiman Amirghasemi. He gained immense popularity among Iranian art lovers due to his memorable performances in 'Golha', having the most performances in this radio program. Akbar Golpayegani, referred to as 'the man with the golden throat of Iranian music', gained international fame due to his concerts and artistic programs in various countries, including at UNESCO. His albums include Mowye Sepid, Mast-e Eshq, Aqiq, Del Ey Del, Bazm-e Asheghan, Roy Barghi Benvis Eshq, Chara Ashegh Nabasham, and Ghadre Mohabbat. He also had acting experiences, starring in the film 'The Man with the Golden Throat' directed by Mehdi Misaghi in 1969. Akbar Golpayegani received dozens of awards, certificates, and an honorary doctorate for his years of outstanding presence in the music field. After the 1979 Revolution, he was banned from artistic activities for a while but returned to the stage in the 1980s and also taught music and singing to young artists. During the recent nationwide protests in Iran, Golpa released a message in solidarity with the people, stating: 'I consider myself belonging to the people of my land and as long as I am alive, I will stand by them. The Mahsa Aminis are like my own children.'