The all-female Persian vocal trio recently won two Silver Medals at the Global Music Awards — one for Best Female Vocalist and one for Best Trio Ensemble.
Made up of Atoosa Nezakati, Pegah Sherkat, and Banafsheh Farahmand, Hazar Ava has been an active part of Vancouver’s cultural music scene for nearly a decade. Their unique sound and commitment to Persian vocal traditions have earned them a loyal following and now, global recognition.
For the Iranian community in Vancouver, this win is deeply meaningful. It celebrates not just musical talent but the cultural presence of Iranian women in the arts.
Their latest music video was a cross-border collaboration between artists in Vancouver and Iran. It speaks to Hazar Ava’s mission to blend cultures, bridge distances, and connect communities through music.
During the Mahsa movement, Hazar Ava used their platform to amplify the voices of Iranian women. Their music carried the emotion and strength of those fighting for freedom, even from across the ocean.
Atoosa Nezakati, daughter of legendary Iranian singer Parviz Nezakati, credits her musical roots as a driving force in the group’s journey.
Despite busy professional lives outside of music, the women of Hazar Ava remain committed to preserving and expanding Persian music. Their performances are driven not by profit, but by passion and purpose.
As the only all-female Persian vocal trio of its kind in Vancouver, their voice is not just rare — it is powerful.
This recognition marks a proud milestone, not only for Hazar Ava, but for Vancouver’s vibrant and resilient Iranian community.
This interview quickly gained attention and was widely viewed on both Instagram and Facebook, resonating with audiences across Vancouver and the global Iranian community. The response highlighted just how deeply Hazar Ava's story and music connect with people — not just as artists, but as cultural voices of strength and unity.
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LJI Impact is the section of commediaportal.ca where the journalists and their organizations participating in CACTUS' Local Journalism Initiative can share their greatest successes.
Through the written stories, photos and videos you see in the LJI Impact section, you'll be able to read first hand accounts about how the presence of a community journalist is making a difference in communities across Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative and the Community Media Portal.
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