The everlasting dominance of Ahmad Zahir on Afghanistan’s music

Forty-five years ago, on June 14th, 1979, in the narrow canyon-like Chapraq village near Salang Pass, a fiery red luxury car collided with a rock, etching its mark in the annals of Afghanistan’s history. This tragic event transcended a mere car crash; it heralded the darkest chapter in the vibrant tapestry of Afghanistan’s music. As the villagers arrived at the scene, their eyes beheld the lifeless body of the iconic Ahmad Zahir, on his 33rd birthday. Amidst the wreckage, three other passengers onboard emerged miraculously unscathed, a tale shrouded in mystery.

In one of his songs, it is as if he had foretold his death.