Farhad Darya

Farhad Darya (born October 22, 1962) is an Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer. He is known for his unique style of music, which blends traditional Afghan music with Western influences. Darya is one of the most popular singers in Afghanistan and has a large following both at home and abroad.

Darya was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and began singing at a young age. He was influenced by a variety of musical genres, including Afghan traditional music, Indian classical music, and Western pop music. In 1981, Darya released his first album, "Shola", which was a commercial success. He followed up with several more albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Mest-e-Aashoftegi" (1989), "Pari-e-Ghazal" (1995), and "Sobh-e-Azadi" (1997).

Darya's music has been praised for its beautiful melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and innovative arrangements. He has been compared to other great Afghan singers, such as Ahmad Zahir and Ustad Rahim Bakhsh. Darya has also been credited with helping to revive traditional Afghan music and making it more popular among young people.

In addition to his music career, Darya has also acted in several films and television dramas. He has also served as a judge on the Afghan version of the reality singing competition "Afghan Star".

Darya is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Afghan National Music Award for Best Male Singer (2003) and the Afghan Music Council Award for Lifetime Achievement (2010). He was also named a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2003.

Darya continues to be one of the most popular singers in Afghanistan and is considered a national icon. He has toured extensively throughout the world and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Carnegie Hall in New York City. Darya is also an active philanthropist and has worked with several charities, including the Afghan Red Cross and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).