Remembering Jaklin Vigen

In an industry dominated by men, Jaklin Vigen stood out. Not because she sought the spotlight — in fact, she was known for her humility — but because she was one of the few women shaping Iranian music from behind the scenes. Her success as a lyricist and composer challenged traditional gender roles. She proved that women could not only sing songs but write them, define them, and give them to others. This made her a role model for later generations of women in music.

After the 1979 Revolution, when many singers were silenced or forced into exile, Jaklin’s songs became even more important. They carried the voices of a displaced nation. Her songs gave abroad a sense of continuity with their homeland, preserving cultural identity through melody and verse. For those inside, listening secretly to her songs or those of the artists she wrote for became a quiet act of resistance and remembrance.

September 18, 2025 | 11:30 pm