In the wake of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, a London-based artist of Iranian heritage known as Naz has created a viral music video marking what many consider a turning point for Iran and the Middle East.
The TikTok creator appeared in a satirical music video just days following Khamenei’s killing, with the song serving as one of the first cultural responses to the dictator’s demise. Within its initial day online, the Instagram post accumulated hundreds of thousands of views.
The musical piece, titled “Hey Arr Arr” and performed by Hamed Fard with Naz dancing, emerged as regime forces fired upon Iranian citizens who were celebrating in the streets following news of Khamenei’s death.
Through social media platforms, Naz utilized music as a vehicle to amplify the voices of Iranians who, despite facing government violence, expressed joy over the end of the authoritarian leader’s reign. The video represents the intersection of art, resistance, and social media in documenting this historic moment for the Iranian people.
