Musician Faravaz's artistic protest against oppression from Iran: Insight into his melodies of defiance

In the heart of Berlin, Faravaz is more than just an Iranian singer; she is an exile, a beacon of hope for Iranian women, both inside and outside the country, who are fighting against the oppressive regime through ongoing protests and daily resistance.

Faravaz's latest work, "Mullah," embodies this spirit of rebellion. With provocative lyrics, the song serves as a bold statement against the dominant political power that has controlled women's bodies for decades.

The journey of Faravaz, like many female singers in Iran, has not been an easy one. Following the rise of Islamists to power in 1979, female singers were among the first targets. Many fled the country, and those who remained faced interrogations, imprisonments, and unemployment.

Faravaz found support in the German organization Pro Asyl during her asylum process and continues to receive ongoing legal and social assistance from them.

Her courageous stance has not gone unchallenged. Faravaz's choice to participate topless in a demonstration subjected her to various insults and isolation. She was labeled an "attention-seeking whore" and received disturbing images after aligning with the MeToo movement and speaking out against a fellow Iranian male singer.

Despite the severe backlash and intense hate attacks, Faravaz remains undeterred. She believes her actions were the most authentic way to support a movement against several decades of the regime's control of women's bodies.

"I am angry and cannot remain calm as the misogynistic society expects women to be. I wonder why I should not be angry; I am filled with so many years of repression," Faravaz expressed in an interview with Voice of America.

"Mullah" brought forth a barrage of attacks, ranging from criticism of her body shape to downgrading her activism and the quality of her voice. Yet, Faravaz stands strong, serving as the protagonist in the short documentary "My Orange Garden," which explores the prohibition of women singing.

In contrast, the legendary Iranian pop singer Googoosh could only leave the country and resume her work as a singer two decades later. Faravaz's story serves as a testament to the resilience of those who continue to fight for freedom and equality in the face of adversity.