Arash (Swedish: Arash, full name — Arash Labaf, Persian: آرش لباف) is an Iranian-Swedish singer, songwriter, producer, and actor. He was born on April 23, 1977 in Tehran, Iran. At the age of 10, he moved with his family to Sweden, where he later began his musical career. He lived in the cities of Uppsala and Malmö. From a young age, Arash showed a strong interest in both Eastern and Western music, which later became the foundation of his signature style — a blend of pop, dance, R&B, and traditional Eastern melodies.
Early Career and First Success
After graduating from college, Arash began working professionally in music, composing soundtracks for Swedish and Indian films. His global breakthrough came with the debut single “Boro Boro” (2004), which instantly became an international hit. The track topped charts across Europe and the Middle East, while its music video garnered tens of millions of views.
In 2005, Arash released his debut album Arash, which went platinum and became one of the best-selling records of the year in Eastern Europe. The album included the hits “Temptation” (featuring Rebecca Zadig) and “Boro Boro”. From the start of his career, the artist gained wide popularity performing songs in Persian, Swedish, and English.
International Recognition
His second studio album, Donya (2008), solidified his success. The single “Donya”, recorded with Shaggy, became a global hit, reaching the top of the charts in Russia and the CIS countries. The album also featured collaborations with Lumidee and Timbuktu. One of the most recognizable tracks of that era, “Pure Love” (2009), ranked among the most popular songs of the year in Eastern Europe.
Arash has received multiple NRJ Music Awards and Russian Music Awards, with his albums selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
Eurovision and Later Career
In 2009, Arash represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest alongside singer Aysel Teymurzadeh. Their song “Always” placed third and is still remembered as one of the contest’s most iconic entries. Following Eurovision, Arash toured extensively across Europe and Asia, performing in stadiums and at major festivals.
Popular Hits of the 2010s
In 2010, Arash released the single “Broken Angel”, which became a massive hit in Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Middle East. He followed it with “One Day”, “She Makes Me Go” (feat. Sean Paul), “Sex Love Rock n Roll (SLR)”, and “OMG”, reinforcing his reputation as a truly international artist.
Arash has collaborated with numerous stars, including Shaggy, Sean Paul, Snoop Dogg, and Mohombi, as well as Russian acts such as Blestyashchie, Fabrika, Anna Semenovich, and the project “Krestnaya Semya”.
Film and Television
In 2011, Arash appeared in the Iranian film “Rhino Season”, co-starring Monica Bellucci. He has also participated in numerous TV shows, competitions, and music festivals across Europe and Asia.
Live Performances and Tours
Arash is renowned for his large-scale live performances, including concerts for 100,000 people in Almaty (Kazakhstan) and 120,000 people in Szczecin (Poland). His shows are known for their fusion of Eastern energy, dance beats, and powerful live vocals.
Recent Years (2020–2025)
Throughout the 2020s, Arash has continued to release new music. Recent singles include “Angels Lullaby” (feat. Helena, 2022), “Lavandia” (2023), and “No Stress” (2024). His videos attract tens of millions of views on YouTube, and his songs frequently go viral on TikTok.
Today, Arash remains one of the most recognizable artists across the Middle East and Europe, blending Eastern melodies with Western pop sounds.
Interesting Facts
- Winner of over 30 music awards across Europe and Asia;
- His songs have been featured in Indian and Turkish film soundtracks;
- Arash actively produces young artists and supports charitable projects;
- Performs in Persian, English, Swedish, and Russian.
Legacy
Arash is regarded as one of the most influential artists bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions. His songs are played on radio stations in more than 50 countries, and his name has become synonymous with positivity, love, and rhythms that unite cultures.
