Ebi

For other uses, see Ebi (disambiguation).
Ebi

Ebi Live in Montreal, Canada
Background information
Birth name Ebrahim Hamedi
Also known as Ebi
Born 19 June 1949
Tehran, Iran
Genres Persian Pop music
Years active 1967–present
Labels Taraneh Records
Apolon Records
Caltex Records
Pars Video
Avang Records
Associated acts Leila Kasra
Shahram Shabpareh
Shahbal Shabpareh
Black Cats
Farhad Mehrad
Fereydoun Farrokhzad
Website Ebi Official Website

Ebrahim Hamedi (Persian: ابراهیم حامدی , born June 19, 1949‎), known better by his stage name Ebi (ابی), is an Iranian singer. He is widely known for his vocal range.

Biography

Early life and career

Ebi was born in Tehran, the eldest of six siblings. He received early musical schooling, as he was discovered by the Ministry of Art and Culture at a very early age. Declining an offer to further pursue classical schooling as an opera soloist in Italy, Ebi instead turned to popular music as a member in the group "Sun Boys".[1] A major breakthrough was Ebi's performance of the song "Shab" (Night) at Fereydoun Farrokhzad's TV-show "Mikhak-e Noghreyi". During a series of planned concerts in the United States, Ebi, due to the Iranian Revolution|revolution of 1979, decided not to return to Iran.[1]

Ebi in a concert at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, June 2014

He left Iran before the Islamic Revolution;.[2] He has performed his Iranian nationalistic song "Persian Gulf" that makes reference to the Iranian stand in the Persian Gulf naming dispute. Among other "politically charged"[3] songs, Tasmim critically addressed the very controversial 2009 presidential election.[4]

His legendary satin, yet incredibly powerful voice has established Ebi as an enduring Iranian singer for the ages. Throughout his 50 year career, Ebi has released over 20 albums, and closer to 100 singles, performed sold out shows across the world, and continuously released an endless string of hits, transcending Ebi’s fan base through 3 generations of Iranians worldwide.

Since the Islamic revolution, Ebi’s music has been illegal to play in Iran. He has spent the last 4 decades touring the globe, selling out some of the most prestigious venues in the world: Royal Albert Hall, Nokia Theatre LA Live, Wembley Stadium, Sydney Opera House, Air Canada Centre, and many many more.

Ebi’s passion for all kinds of music has always lead him to push the envelope, always evolving his music and allowing him self to be influenced by his surroundings and time. This has allowed him to enjoy a truly remarkable fan base where age plays no difference. His incredibly genuine connection to his fans has made him more than just a Pop Icon, but a symbol for his people. His active stance against political injustice, oppression of women, and constant charitable ambitions has always been Ebi’s “banner,” clearly visible in his music as well as throughout all aspects of his life.

He lives in Marbella, Spain, although he also spends time in Los Angeles. Ebi has 3 daughters from his previous marriage, and a stepson from his current.

Since the Islamic revolution in Iran he mostly tours the world, having combined musical influences from traditional Persian music, western pop and sometimes Latin style rhythms.[4]

Awards

1974: Best singer in Turkey festival with the song Shekar.[5]

Discography
Harighe Sabz (2006)
A 29-second preview of Ebi's "Harighe Sabz", a pop song, from the Hasrate Parvaz album.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Albums

Singles

Past and upcoming tours and concerts

1992

1994

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Biography at official website, 15 February 2011
  2. ↑ Wrench, Nigel (21 March 2010) "Exiled Iranian pop star Ebi in presidential warning", BBC News
  3. ↑ Ebi biodata at official webpage, 15 February 2011
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Arbsjö, Karin (2009), En hemlig flod av låttexter Sydsvenskan
  5. ↑ http://www.radiojavan.com/videos/video/ebi-one-on-one-with-ebi
  6. ↑ http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x180ht2_muslim-jewish-singers-unite-for-christmas_news?fbc=345

External links