Women in Iran are prohibited from singing publicly, as the Islamic regime forbids them from holding concerts or performing on radio and television. For decades, this restriction has silenced the voices of many talented women, denying them a platform to share their art with the world. Among these silenced voices is Parva, a veteran Iranian singer now residing in British Columbia. After 45 long years of suppression, Parva recently had the chance to perform a concert at the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver. It was a momentous occasion for her, a grandmother, and a woman who had once been a star in Iran but was forced into silence by her homeland’s oppressive laws.

In this interview, Parva reflects on her journey, offering a glimpse into the life she once had and the challenges she faced. She recounts her childhood and youth in Iran, a time when music was a central part of her existence. Parva had achieved fame in Iran, becoming a celebrated artist with a growing fan base. However, after the revolution, everything changed. Women like Parva were stripped of their right to sing and were forbidden from performing in public spaces. Her voice, once celebrated, was now stifled by the new regime’s strict rules. Despite this, Parva never gave up hope. She continued to hold onto her love for music, even though she was no longer allowed to share it with her audience.

With her recent performance in West Vancouver, Parva feels like she has been given a second chance at life. For her, this concert was not just about singing; it was a powerful symbol of resilience and freedom. She described the experience as deeply emotional, as she could finally reclaim her voice and share her music with those who had longed to hear it. This performance, she says, marked a turning point in her life, reigniting her passion for music and reminding her of the joy that singing once brought her.

In addition to her concert, Parva has been busy producing several music videos in Vancouver, which are set to be released soon. These projects are especially meaningful to her, as they represent her continued fight for artistic freedom. She hopes that her work will inspire other Iranian women, showing them that, despite the challenges they face, their voices matter and their dreams are worth pursuing.

Parva sees her new life in Canada as a golden opportunity for Iranian female artists to achieve their aspirations and enjoy basic social rights that were denied to them back home. For her, Canada represents hope and freedom—two things that were taken from her in Iran but which she has now found again. She is determined to use this opportunity to not only rebuild her career but also to support and uplift other Iranian women who have faced similar struggles. Through her music and her story, Parva is showing the world that no regime can truly silence the human spirit.

Guest: Parva

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society