Omar Akram, Afghan Composer Nominated for Grammy: I Take Pride in Afghan Culture, Art, Roots, and the Persian Language

The 66th Grammy Awards, the most important annual music event in the world, will be held on Sunday in Los Angeles. This year, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences will award prizes to outstanding singers and groups nominated in various music categories. Omar Akram, an Afghan-American pianist and composer, is one of the artists nominated for a Grammy with his album "Beautiful Moments" in the "New Age" music category. This collection, considered a peak in the artist's musical journey, reflects a profound transformation in his artistic outlook. Akram won a Grammy in the same category in 2013 and achieved a historic success as the first Afghan artist to receive this award. He told Voice of America that he did not expect to be nominated for a Grammy for the second time and was "surprised" when the nominees were announced last November. He expressed that he is "very happy" and that this nomination is a great honor for him, Afghans, Persian speakers, and all those who appreciate his work. Akram emphasizes that it is very important for him to achieve such honors as an Afghan artist, and although he was born in the U.S., he takes pride in his parents from Kabul and in Afghan culture, art, roots, and the Persian language. According to Akram, all these factors influence his music, with Afghan culture and Eastern art playing a significant role in shaping his works. The release of "Beautiful Moments" last summer received a warm reception on streaming platforms and is one of the most listened-to collections in the New Age music genre. Akram states that the pieces in this album are inspired by happy childhood memories, experiences, and beautiful moments of his life, making it a very personal and emotional collection. He adds that everyone has beautiful moments in life that they remember, which is why listeners connect well with the album's pieces. Akram's main instrument is the piano; he first composes melodies on the piano and then adds other instruments like violin or flute to the music. His instrumental works, with emotionally resonant combinations, easily connect different cultures. Omar Akram is nominated for a Grammy for the second time as an Afghan artist at a time when there are many restrictions on music in Afghanistan, and the Taliban government hinders the artistic activities of youth. Akram points out that culture and art have always been important in his life and encourages young music enthusiasts to pursue this art form, play instruments, and never lose hope despite all the challenges. This Afghan pianist and composer residing in Los Angeles has previously collaborated with several Iranian artists, including Shahdad Rouhani and Ardeshir Farah, and has many Iranian friends, including Maz Jobrani and Max Amini. The 66th Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 4 (15 Bahman) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.