How Iran's mullahs are using rap music to wage a holy culture war against the ... trends now
Iran is using rap music to promote hardline Islamist values and nuclear energy ambitions, while dissident artists are jailed for defying the regime.
Dozens of Iranian rappers have been arrested since the early 2000s, when hip-hop started gaining traction in the country, and last month rapper Toomaj Salehi was sentenced to death for charges linked to a period of nationwide unrest.
Salehi, 33, had released songs criticising the Iranian regime and demanding greater liberties and women's rights. He also posted pictures of himself attending some of the protests held in support of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being arrested for wearing an 'improper' hijab.
As rap gained popularity in Iran, the Islamic Republic tried to discredit the genre, even branding rappers as 'satanists'. But their attempts were unsuccessful so the regime started commissioning musicians to 'spread their ideology and trying to influence young people', exiled Iranian hip-hop singer Ghogha told France 24.
Some rappers are now singing pro-government lyrics, posing in photos with politicians close to the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guards, and earning up to $10,000 a month.
However, disgraced Iranian rap artist Justina has warned fellow artists that 'the minute you cross the political red line, you become a target'.
The Iranian government has used rap music to promote hardline Islamist values and nuclear energy ambitions. In his 2015 song Energy Hasteei, rapper Amir Tataloo (pictured) asserted Iran's right to self-defence and hailed the nation's nuclear energy program. He sang in his chorus 'this is our absolute right, to have an armed Persian Gulf
But fellow musicians have warned that 'the minute you cross the political red line, you become a target'. Toomaj Salehi (pictured) is one of the rappers who has been targeted by the regime over his music. He was sentenced to death last month for charges linked to a period of nationwide unrest in 2022
Amir Tataloo, 36, one of Iran's most controversial rap artists, first gained notoriety for his criticisms of Iran's human rights record.
The musician, who is tattooed from head to toe, then adopted a conservative stance, promoted a pro-government agenda and even issued support for president Ebrahim Raisi during his 2017 campaign.
In his 2015 song Energy Hasteei, asserted Iran's right to self-defence and hailed the nation's nuclear energy program. He sang in his chorus 'this is our absolute right, to have an armed Persian Gulf'.
The music video for the song, which features back-up vocals from Iranian soldiers, was made in support of the Iranian military and police and opens with a line stating: 'No power can prevent the Iranian nation from having peaceful nuclear energy.'
Instagram also blocked his account in 2019 after he allegedly published anti-women content and promoted child marriage. He also shared alleged plans to 'Sultan's Palace' in Turkey, where he intended to host girls aged 15 to 20.
But Tataloo, real name Amirhossein Maghsoudloo, changed his stance yet again and ended up in exile in Turkey, before being deported to Iran last year and sent to prison on accusations of producing and publishing 'obscene' works.
His trial, which is still ongoing, began in March, state-run Mizan news agency reported. He was accused of creating clips, songs, and images containing vulgar and explicit content.
Other allegations against him include 'establishing a gambling operation, inciting individuals to access obscene content, encouraging crimes against chastity and sexual perversions, and promoting corruption and prostitution.'
Amir Tataloo, 36, one of Iran's most controversial rap artists, first gained notoriety for his criticisms of Iran's human rights record. However, he later adopted a conservative stance and produced a song promoting the country's nuclear energy ambitions. Tataloo is pictured in his Energy Hasteei music video
The Energy Hasteei music video was filmed on an Iranian warship and made in support of the Iranian military and police
Back-up vocals were provided by Iranian soldiers and the video opened with a line stating: 'No power can prevent the Iranian nation from having peaceful nuclear energy'
The first Iranian rap album, The Asphalt Jungle by Hichkas, was ground breaking when it was released in 2006.
Rap and hip-hop
