Mehdi Yarrahi (Persian: مهدی یراحی; born November 14, 1981) is an Iranian singer, composer, and activist renowned for his politically charged music and advocacy for social justice. His work often addresses issues such as workers' rights, women's rights, environmental concerns, and governmental accountability.

Early Life and Education

Born in Ahvaz, Iran, Yarrahi developed an early interest in music, participating in Quranic singing competitions during his youth. He later learned to play the guitar and piano, eventually moving to Tehran to pursue a career in music.

Musical Career

Yarrahi began his professional music career in 2010, initially composing for other artists before releasing his own albums. His discography includes:

• Set Me Free (2011)
• Emperor (2013)
• Like a Statue (2015)
• Full Length Mirror (2017)
• Hayyak (2018)
• First Social Trilogy (2018)
• Second Social Trilogy (2020)

He also released several singles addressing social and political issues in Iran, such as "Paresang" (2018), "Roosarito" (2023), and "Soroode Zan" (2022).

Activism and Controversies

Yarrahi's music often intersects with activism:

• Environmental Advocacy: In 2013, he participated in a human chain supporting the Karoon River and was subsequently summoned by the Ahvaz Security Police. In 2014, during a concert in Tehran, he wore a mask as a symbolic protest against air pollution, prompting authorities to question him.

• Workers' Rights: In December 2018, he performed wearing the uniform of protesting workers from the National Steel Company of Ahvaz, leading to a ban on his performances by Iranian authorities. Shortly after, he released the song "Paresang," which was deemed one of the most critical political songs post-Islamic Revolution, resulting in further censorship.

• Women's Rights: In August 2023, he released the protest song "Roosarito," supporting women who defy Iran's compulsory hijab laws. This led to his arrest on charges related to the song's publication. In March 2025, he received 74 lashes as part of an agreement to end the criminal case against him.

• Political Commentary: Following the 2019 protests in Iran, Yarrahi performed "SarSam" in memory of the victims, openly criticizing government authorities during his concerts. He also released "Soroode Zan" ("Hymn to the Woman") in 2022, which became an anthem during the Mahsa Amini protests.

Legal Issues

Yarrahi has faced legal repercussions for his activism:

• In August 2023, he was arrested for releasing "Roosarito," a song supporting women's rights and criticizing compulsory hijab laws. He was charged with "propaganda against the state" and "encouraging corruption and prostitution."

• In January 2024, he was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, as well as 74 lashes. His prison sentence was later converted to electronic ankle monitoring, which ended in December 2024.

• On March 5, 2025, the sentence of 74 lashes was carried out at Tehran’s Morality Security Prosecutor’s Office, concluding his legal case.

Awards and Recognition

Yarrahi's contributions to music have been recognized with several awards:

• Best Pop Album and Best Pop Song for Emperor at the 2013 Musicema Awards.

• Best People's Choice TV Theme Song for "Sazesh" at the Se Setareh TV ceremony in 2014.

• Barbad Award for Best Pop Singer for Full Length Mirror at the Fajr Music Festival (2016–2017).

• Best Singer of the Year at the 2nd Afshin Yadollahi Songwriting Awards in 2018.

References

1. Mehdi Yarrahi - Wikipedia
2. The Ballad of Mehdi Yarrahi: A Singer’s Struggle for Justice and Freedom of Expression in Iran
3. Who is Mehdi Yarrahi, the Iranian voice singing for protest?
4. Iranian Protest Singer Yarrahi Sentenced to Prison, Flogging
5. Iranian singer whipped 74 times for song calling for removal of women’s headscarves
6. Iranian singer given 74 lashings over controversial song
7. Iranian singer Mehdi Yarrahi given 74 lashes over protest song