Ahmad Wali

Ahmad Wali is a renowned Afghan Ghazal singer who began his musical journey in the 1970s and quickly rose to fame in Afghanistan. Born in Kabul into an ethnic Pashtun family, he initially learned to play the tabla at age 12 before shifting his focus to singing. While still a student at Habibia High School, he gained recognition after his demo tape caught the attention of Ustad Zaland, a prominent Afghan singer and director at Radio Kabul. Ahmad Wali's soulful and heartfelt music, including songs composed by himself and others, endeared him to audiences across Afghanistan in his early career.

Due to political upheaval, Ahmad Wali was forced to leave Afghanistan and resettled in Germany, where he continued his music career, performing widely throughout Europe and North America. His work blends classical Afghan music with popular styles, and he is considered an icon of Afghanistan’s Golden Years of music. Despite the challenges of exile, he has maintained a devoted following and remains a beloved figure in Afghan music.