Rishad Zahir

Rishad Zahir (Pashto/Dari: ) is a United States–based Afghan singer and musician. He is the son of the Afghan singer Ahmad Zahir.

Early life Rishad Zahir was born in Seattle, Washington, during his parents' visit to the United States. After spending a year in Seattle, they all returned to Afghanistan. Soon after, Rishad, accompanied by his mother, left for the United States permanently. He and his family are from the Pashtun ethnic group and are originally from Laghman.

Career He showed interest in music at the age of 11. Zahir was inspired by his father's music and singing. While perfecting his understanding of his mother tongue, he also furthered his studies in the art of music by seeking the guidance of elite musicians and studying books and classical music. In 1987, at the age of 17, Zahir released his first full album, Guli Intezar. He then released a second album in 1990, Tu Guli Nazi Hama. His third album, Negahi Gahi, was released in 1993. He had eight concerts from 1990 in both the U.S. and Europe. With his interest in music fully developed, he decided to pursue his interest in Dari literature. He was driven to pursue a greater understanding of Persian literature by the fact that he had been deprived of the opportunity in Afghanistan. Zahir currently resides in California.

Discography His CD titled Ishq-e-Mann was released in November 1999.

Album: Various 01 – Imroz 02 – Dilbara 03 – Deedar 04 – Chi Khab Deedam-o 04 – Tu Kujayee

Album: Live Volume 1 01 – Ze Jaan Man 02 – Soze Qalbam 03 – Maast o Ghazal Khan 04 – Jaan Jan 05 – Har Chand o Mara 06 – Door Az Tu 07 – Bego Ke Gul 08 – Baaz Ai 09 – Aqlam Rabood 10 – Anke Ze Dar Merasad

Album: Live Volume 2 01 – San Nest 02 – Ze Ha Mo 03 – Ya Mawla 04 – Muhammad 05 – Imshaab 06 – Ba Kudam Dar 07 – Akhreen Sham 08 – Agar Penhan

Album: Live Volume 3 01 – Tura Man Dost Medaram 02 – Rshani Chashmam 03 – Khyal 04 – Khuda Konad 05 – Faqat Soze 06 – Dil Shuda Ghafel 07 – Ai Deedai Ranj