Iranian singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour has won the first award for Best Song for Social Change at the Grammys 2023.
Hajipour’s song, Baraye, which was viewed more than 40 million times in two days on his Instagram account, became the unofficial anthem of the Iranian protests that were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been in the custody of the morality police after violating hijab rules.
Baraye became a viral sensation even among non-Farsi-speaking music fans who were in support of the protests.
In October, British indie band Coldplay also made headlines after the group invited Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani to perform the song onstage with them in Buenos Aires.
The Grammy was presented by US first lady Jill Biden, who said “a song can unite, inspire and ultimately change the world”, and that the new award was put in place to recognise a tune that “responds to the social issues of our time and has the potential for positive global impact”.
Biden said she was "honoured" to announce the first winner of the award and described Baraye as "stirring".
“This song became the anthem of the Mahsa Amini protests, a powerful and poetic poem for freedom and women’s rights," she added.
Biden also said that more than 130,000 people sent their submissions for the first award. In October, it was reported by Variety that 95,000 of the submissions were for Hajipour’s song.
Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr said at the time that the Grammys body was "deeply moved by the overwhelming volume of submissions for Shervin Hajipour’s Baraye (For the Sake Of)".
“We are humbled by the knowledge that the Academy is a platform for people who want to show support for the idea that music is a powerful catalyst for change,” he added.
Hajipour composed Baraye from messages Iranians were posting online about why they are protesting.
The word baraye, which translates from Farsi as “for …” or “for the sake of”, is used at the start of every lyric: “For dancing in the streets, for students and their future”, and “for women, life, freedom”.
Hajipour gained popularity in 2019 when he appeared as a contestant in New Era, an Iranian television talent competition.
After Baraye went viral, Hajipour was arrested and the song was removed from his Instagram page, but it was still shared widely online.
Hajipour was released on bail in October and his case will be going through the legal process, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.
After winning the Grammy, Hajipour simply wrote on Instagram: "We won."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Recycle Reuse Repurpose
New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors
Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site
Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area
Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent organic waste and 13 per cent general waste.
About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor
Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:
Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled
Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays
Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters
Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
If you go
The Flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.
The trip
Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.
More on Quran memorisation:
Infiniti QX80 specs
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