Faravaz

Faravaz Farvardin was born in 1990 in Tehran and discovered her passion for music at an early age. At just 12, she began playing the guitar, later expanding her repertoire to include instruments such as the piano, harmonica, Ney-Anban, and vocals.
Her musical journey began in Iran, where solo singing by women was forbidden and societal acceptance for women’s participation in music—even within their own families—was limited. Undeterred by these challenges, Faravaz demonstrated her determination. Legally, she was only allowed to perform as a background singer, forced to watch as male performers took the stage while her opportunity to sing was denied. "Every time I went to a concert, I cried," she recalls. "I imagined myself and the other female singers on stage, and the sorrow of not having that opportunity overwhelmed me."
Consequently, Faravaz became active as an underground singer since public performance was not an option. Instead, she used social media to share her music, an act that eventually led to her arrest—an event that profoundly changed her life.
After fleeing Iran, Faravaz had to restart her musical career and now lives in exile in Berlin. This experience has left an indelible mark on her music. With powerful, provocative lyrics in English and a unique blend of alternative pop and Oriental elements, she gives voice to her personal story and activism. She is passionately committed to human rights, especially for women and queer communities in the Middle East. As the founder of the non-profit organization “The Right to Sing e.V.,” she fights to ensure that marginalized groups are heard.
Since arriving in Germany, Faravaz has released numerous songs—including “Mullah,” “Enemy of God,” and “Dessert”—which have been enthusiastically received by the media. These tracks are excerpts from her debut album "Azadi," released in May 2025. Her work has been featured by international platforms such as RBB, ARTE, BBC, Deutsche Welle, ZDF, Vox, and taz, and in 2022 she received the "Voices of Women for Change Award."

The documentary “My Orange Garden” explores Faravaz’s voice, her life struggles, and her extraordinary journey as an artist. Shown at international festivals in 2024 and set released in June 2025 on The New Yorker’s streaming platform, the film focuses on her music, personal experiences, and the social challenges she has overcome. This intimate portrait offers insight into her artistic inspiration and the transformative power of her voice.
"Singing is my weapon in the fight," says Faravaz. "The stage is my refuge, where I find comfort. Music is my outlet to express my anger and to bring about change."
Faravaz sings to survive—and to make a lasting societal impact. With her innovative artistic vision and political commitment, she embodies the transformative power of art.