Shirin Majd Dedicated Her New Music Video 'Captive' to Kianoush Sanjari

Shirin Majd, an Iranian opera and classical music singer residing in Australia, dedicated her new music video titled 'Captive' to Kianoush Sanjari, an Iranian journalist who ended his life on Wednesday, November 14, in protest against the conditions of political prisoners under the Islamic Republic. This piece features Shirin Majd's voice and the poem 'Captive' by Forough Farrokhzad, part of the musical project 'Another Birth' released in 2015. Shirin Majd, who decided to create a music video for 'Captive' for her new performances in Australia, learned of Kianoush Sanjari's death just before the video release. She told Voice of America that in the music video, a dancer expresses the concept of freedom through her movements, which is the message of Forough Farrokhzad's poem. The Iranian artist added, 'I felt that in these days after losing Kianoush, this work could reflect the state of all of us who are fighting for freedom in various ways.' According to Shirin Majd, Kianoush Sanjari chose self-imposed death for this struggle and sacrificed his life for freedom. She further stated that this Iranian journalist was placed in a situation where he might have concluded that his absence could better convey his message and be more impactful. Ms. Majd noted that the piece 'Captive' is about the longing for freedom and the struggle of those who fight for it, dedicating the music video to Kianoush Sanjari and all the brave souls who have sacrificed everything, even their lives, for freedom in Iran and around the world. Shirin Majd emphasized that the courage and resilience of these heroes should inspire others to continue the fight for justice and human rights. She added, 'We must keep these stories alive and honor their legacy through our actions and voices.' The Iranian artist recalled that when she initially chose the poem 'Captive' to perform, she felt that as a woman, she was facing cultural taboos and even emotions that limited her in life or decision-making. Shirin Majd mentioned that the composer of this piece also faced problems due to political activities and conversion to Christianity in Iran, having experienced imprisonment, thus having a personal interpretation of the poem and the concept of freedom. According to Ms. Majd, they created this musical piece with two different interpretations of Forough Farrokhzad's poem 'Captive' while coordinating with each other. She added that each individual could have a different interpretation of this work and its meaning based on their experiences and circumstances in different parts of the world. This Iranian artist stated that currently, this work is very close to Kianoush Sanjari; a fighter who sacrificed his life for freedom and to achieve his goals. According to Shirin Majd, some of her family members and acquaintances had political activities, and she is aware of and understands their concerns, preoccupations, and decision-making conditions. Reporters Without Borders: The government is responsible for Kianoush Sanjari's death. Pili: Kianoush Sanjari's death reflects the 'brutality' of the Islamic Republic. Civil activists: The Islamic Republic is responsible for Kianoush Sanjari's death. Exclusive | U.S. State Department: Sanjari's death is a sign of despair among Iran's youth. The deep condolences of the President of Voice of America for the passing of Kianoush Sanjari, a former colleague in the Persian section. Kianoush Sanjari 'ended his life in protest against Khamenei's dictatorship.'