Iran protest song nominated for Grammy
Baraye is based on the outpouring of public anger following the death of Mahsa Amini.
The song Baraye, by the young Iranian musician Shervin Hajipour, became the anthem for the anti-government protests, which have swept the country since September last year after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in police custody. Tonight in Los Angeles, the song is up for a Grammy - a new award, best song for social change and it's the favourite to win.
Shervin was arrested just a few days after Baraye went viral and the song was taken down from Instagram. He has since been granted bail but the message from the authorities seems clear. The song's lyrics, made up of raw and impassioned social media posts by supporters of the protests, were a powerful challenge to the establishment. James Menendez spoke to prominent Iranian musician Ali Azimi, one of the pioneers of the country's alternative music scene, about Shervin's song. Ali himself is now based in London.
(Photo: Mobile phone showing a viral video of Shervin Hajipour playing his song Baraye on his Instagram page. Credit: Getty Images)
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