RASC News Agency: Reshad Zahir, the son of the renowned Afghanistani singer Ahmad Zahir, stated during a gathering in Tajikistan, “My father belongs to everyone, and his music and singing are loved and heard by all in Afghanistan.” On February 20, Rashad Zahir attended a press event in Tajikistan, where he confirmed that his father, Ahmad Zahir, was indeed a Tajik Farsi speaker. Tajikistani media reported that Reshad, who had come to perform in Tajikistan, responded to a question about his father’s ethnicity during a Q&A session. “We checked our family ancestry on the genealogy website Ancestory in the United States, and discovered that we are 80% Tajik,” he shared.
He also added, “My father belongs to everyone.” Reshad further clarified that his ancestors came from Laghman, an Afghanistan province rich in Farsi-speaking culture. Reshad Zahir has been invited to Tajikistan on multiple occasions for musical performances, where he often reflects on his father’s legacy and fondly shares personal memories. In a recent interview, he expressed his deep passion for music, noting that he continues to listen to his father’s songs regularly. Recently, Tajikistan hosted Rashad Zahir to commemorate the anniversary of his father’s birth. The event was met with enthusiastic support from Ahmad Zahir’s admirers.
Both the people of Tajikistan and Afghanistan are well-acquainted with Ahmad Zahir and have long celebrated his music. His songs remain immensely popular in both countries. Ahmad Zahir is particularly remembered for performing the works of illustrious Persian poets such as Rumi, Saadi, Hafiz, and contemporary poets like Forough Farrokhzad and Khalilullah. His renditions of their poetry continue to inspire and resonate across the Persian-speaking world.
