Shahin Najafi, born Morteza Najafi pour Moghadam in 1980 in Bandar-e Anzali, Iran, is a musician, singer, composer, poet, author, and political activist. Known for his outspoken criticism of theocratic regimes, poverty, sexism, censorship, and other social issues, Najafi's music incorporates elements of Persian hip-hop, rock, and protest music. After facing political repression in Iran, he moved to Germany, where he gained prominence with his 2008 debut album Ma mard nistim and his subsequent work. In 2012, Najafi faced death threats and a fatwa for his song Ay Naghi!, which was perceived as offensive to Shi'ite Islam. Despite these challenges, he continued his political and artistic work, releasing albums like Hich Hich Hich (2012) and Sigma (2022), along with a 2017 documentary When God Sleeps chronicling his life under the shadow of a fatwa.
