Shervin Hajipour, an Iranian singer, who faces possible prison time won a Grammy on Sunday night. Hajipour won the Grammy for the song 'Baraye' which has become an anthem for ongoing protests in the country. The announcement was made by Jill Biden-- wife of US President Joe Biden.
Shervin Hajipour appeared stunned after hearing Jill Biden, the wife of President Joe Biden, announced he'd won the Grammy's new song for social change special merit award for Baraye.
An online video showed Hajipour in a darkened room, wiping tears away after the announcement.
Hajipour's song Baraye, or For in English, begins with: For dancing in the streets, for the fear we feel when we kiss. The lyrics list reasons young Iranians have posted on Twitter for why they had protested against Iran's ruling theocracy.
Iran has been roiled in protests since September after the death of a woman-- Mahsa Amini in police custody. Amini was detained as she was found to be not wearing the head scarf properly, thus, violating the strict dress code the state has for women.
The song was initially released on his Instagram page; it instantly went viral. According to Human Rights Activists in Iran, Hajipour,25, faces charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “instigating the violence.” if convicted, the singer who is banned from leaving Iran could face up to 6 years in prison. Jill Biden, who made the announcement in a stunning silver Oscar de la Renta gown, said, “ “can unite, inspire and ultimately change the world.”
“This song became the anthem of the Mahsa Amini protests, a powerful and poetic call for freedom and women's rights. Shervin was arrested, but this song continues to resonate around the world with its powerful theme: Women, life, freedom," she added.
– With PTI inputs
