Mohsen Namjoo practices a subtle form of protest music. Namjoo is an Iranian singer and composer. He's a master of classical Persian poetry. But his fans say his satirical songs reflect the frustrations of Iranians today. Roxana Saberi reports from Tehran.
Mohsen Namjoo attracted fans across Iran even before he officially released a CD. One reason may be that he doesn't shy away from contemporary issues. This song "Aghaayede Neo-Kaanti" appears on a CD sold on the black market.
The lyrics translate as "What belongs to us is two-day old couscous, an apologetic government, and a losing national team." Those are references to the disappointment many here felt with the previous government headed by reformist president Khatami, and to the constant losses of Iran's soccer team.
Namjoo goes on to say "What belongs to us, maybe, is the future."
Namjoo's music is daring in Iran.
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, many types of music were banned here. The new regime promoted religious and revolutionary songs.
Over the years, the restrictions have eased somewhat. Still, Namjoo rarely receives government permission to give public performances. So he's put on private concerts in homes. He says his music highlights the contradiction between modernity and tradition in Iran:
NAMJOO: "This contradiction is in all the pillars of life in Iran. If we go out the door now, we could see a cleric who is talking on a mobile, which is completely modern, and that cleric, his clothes come from some centuries ago and from religious traditions. I don't try to state whether this contradiction is good or bad or try to offer solutions. I just try to point it out to listeners, and I think they judge on their own."
Namjoo musical style also illustrates the contradictions. He strums a setar, a traditional Persian lute, blending Persian classical styles with Western jazz, blues, and rock. Some Persian classical musicians dismiss Namjoo's work. But he says his music has drawn in new listeners.
NAMJOO: "Because some people believe Iranian music is monotonous, I like to make it more attractive. Many people have told me, 'We didn't used to like Iranian music, but after we heard your music, we became interested in Iranian music.' I'd like this to happen on a wider level, in other words, on an international level."
He's starting to make that happen. Namjoo recently went overseas. He's been performing across Europe. And while he's been away, the Iranian government granted him permission to release a CD at home.
For The World, I'm Roxana Saberi in Tehran.
