Voices Project; New Version of the Song 'Baraye' Featuring Over 16,000 Volunteers Released

On the anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of the morality police, a new version of the song 'Baraye' by Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour was released in English and Persian, featuring over 16,000 volunteers. The song 'Baraye' has gained significant popularity as an unofficial anthem of the nationwide protests in Iran and won the 'Special Achievement: Best Song for Social Change' award at the Grammy's last year. The new version, titled 'Baraye - Woman, Life, Freedom,' was recorded on February 4, 2023, at the Henson Music Studio in Los Angeles, with a notable presence of artists, prominent figures, and Iranian and American art lovers. This musical project, named 'Voices,' was created by American musician and composer Taylor Hansen, Grammy-winning composer Hamid Saidi, and the nonprofit organization 'Woman, Life, Freedom' managed by Kati Amiri Younesi. Taylor Hansen told Voice of America: 'Music has been a powerful tool in strengthening the women's freedom movement. Shervin Hajipour's song Baraye captured the attention of millions. He bravely shared this work with the world to shout against the horrific actions taking place in Iran.' The American artist added: 'For the new version, inspired by the beautiful song Baraye, we invited everyone who believes in ending this disgusting violence to participate in a special recording session and join artists from around the world who are contributing to this project.' According to Taylor Hansen, the 16,000 individuals who participated in the recording represent over 16,000 Iranian citizens who were arrested by government forces for peacefully protesting the Islamic Republic; they were the voices of the voiceless. The recording of 'Baraye - Woman, Life, Freedom' took place at Henson Studio, a location in Los Angeles where the famous song 'We Are the World' was recorded 38 years ago to aid famine victims in Africa, holding symbolic value. In addition to those present in the studio, many others recorded their voices through an application after registering on a special page on the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' organization's website and sent them to the producers. Kati Amiri Younesi, an Iranian lawyer and director of the nonprofit organization 'Woman, Life, Freedom,' told Voice of America: 'Since the beginning of the nationwide protests in Iran, Taylor Hansen has shown great support for the protesters and has been inspired by the Iranian freedom movement. He was very happy about Shervin Hajipour receiving a Grammy and wanted to do something to help the people of Iran.' The idea for this song was formed by Taylor Hansen, Hamid Saidi, and Kati Amiri Younesi to support the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, with the participation of Iranian and American artists and members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. According to Ms. Amiri Younesi, volunteers gathered in groups of 250 in the studio and collectively sang two short sections of the song in Persian and English, and these voices were used along with the performances of the main singers and parts of Shervin Hajipour's original performance in creating the new version. Several managers and members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences were also among the volunteers who participated in the recording session. The main sections of this work were performed by Taylor Hansen and a group of prominent American artists such as Ben Folds, Ryan Cabrera, Cassadee Pope, Darren Criss, and Iranian singers including Leila Forouhar, Shahbal Shabpareh, Hamid Talebzadeh, and Erfan. Kati Amiri Younesi stated: 'Taylor Hansen has officially submitted the nomination of this song in the Best Global Performance category to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. This work has been produced to support the people of Iran and conveys their cry for freedom to the world through music.' According to Ms. Amiri Younesi, the success of this song is also important for the Iranian community professionally, and if it wins a Grammy, the names of all Iranian singers who participated in its performance will be recorded in the Academy. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences will announce the nominees for the Grammy Awards in November, and the awards ceremony will take place in February 2024 in Los Angeles.