The history of musical expression in Iran stretches back thousands of years, with archaeological findings from the third millennium BC revealing the early presence of instruments such as golden trumpets and horizontal harps. For Marjan Nelson, a musician and artist of Persian descent, this rich legacy of music has always been part of her genealogy, shaping her deep connection to music as a powerful form of self-expression.
Persian New Zealander Marjan Nelson Photo: Supplied
As a child growing up in Iran, Marjan was immersed in a household where music was woven into the fabric of daily life. Despite the turmoil that the country faced—particularly the Iran-Iraq war during her early years—her family fostered a safe, loving environment where music, dance, poetry, and song flourished. Marjan recalls her family dancing together, playing Persian and Western music alike, with one vivid memory of a family gathering featuring Michael Jackson’s iconic moonwalk. These cherished moments highlight how music provided a healing escape, uniting the family and lifting their spirits during difficult times.
Marjan’s family emigrated to New Zealand when she was three years old, fulfilling her parents' dream of offering their children a life free from war. Even in their new home, the love for music remained strong. Her parents played Persian music as a means of staying connected to their roots and homeland, while Marjan and her sisters embraced the new sounds of Western music. This combination of traditional Persian melodies and modern Western influences has become a defining feature of Marjan's own musical style.
Photo: Supplied
A Journey of Musical Fusion
Marjan’s debut album, Noor, showcases her unique ability to merge Persian and Western musical traditions. One of the standout tracks, “Dance to Infinity,” was the first time Marjan intentionally fused Persian melodies with Western harmonisation. The Persian scale system, which differs from Western scales, presented an artistic challenge, but Marjan trusted her ear and intuition to craft a seamless blend. The song’s Eastern guitar melody, layered with powerful percussion—a hallmark of Persian music—sets the tone for a composition that explores themes of love and consciousness.
This fusion of cultures and sounds is central to Marjan’s artistry. In “Dance to Infinity,” she embraces the values instilled in her by her parents and the spiritual sensibility found in Persian music. This is a theme that runs through much of her songwriting, reflecting both her personal journey and the broader cultural exchange that has shaped her as an artist.
Honouring Persian Icons
Throughout her childhood and adulthood, Marjan has been deeply influenced by the voices of influential Persian artists whose music became a source of solace, strength, and inspiration. One such artist is Hayedeh, a renowned Iranian singer whose powerful voice left an indelible mark on Marjan. Hayedeh’s song “Soghati” was a frequent presence in her home, and Marjan recalls how her mother’s admiration for the singer's vocal prowess shaped her own understanding of the emotional depth music can convey.
Hayedeh’s passion and technical skill resonate deeply with Marjan, who was also captivated by Western artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, whose voices similarly demonstrated exceptional vocal mastery. This admiration for vocalists who pour their soul into their performances influenced how Marjan uses her own voice, imbuing it with emotion and power.
Hayedeh- Soghati
Another figure in Marjan's musical journey is Googoosh, a cultural icon whose voice embodies the joy and freedom that Iranian artists experienced before the Islamic Revolution. For Marjan, Googoosh represents the creative liberty that artists were once able to embrace, unrestrained by societal norms or political oppression. The song "Makhlough" by Googoosh holds a special place in Marjan’s heart, as it represents not only her connection to her Persian heritage but also her belief in the importance of artistic authenticity and resilience.
Googoosh- Makhlough
In addition to the iconic voices of Hayedeh and Googoosh, Marjan’s father, who grew up on a farm in northern Iran, also played a pivotal role in shaping her connection to music. One of Marjan’s earliest memories of the song "Baroon Barooneh," a classic Iranian folk song popularised by Viguen, is of her father singing it as he worked in the garden. Her father, who often used music to soothe his fears during his childhood, passed on the belief that music is not just a form of expression but a tool for healing and emotional release.
This intimate connection to the land, family, and tradition is encapsulated in the folk music that Marjan holds dear. The songs of her childhood, imbued with themes of nature, love, and spiritual connection, continue to inspire her own music, reflecting the deeply rooted cultural legacy she carries with her.
Viguen-Baroon Barooneh
The Legacy of Shajarian
No discussion of Persian music would be complete without acknowledging Mohammad Reza Shajarian, considered the master of traditional Persian classical singing. His voice, which Marjan grew up hearing in her home, connected past and present Persia, carrying with it the weight of ancient poetry and spiritual exploration. Shajarian’s music, often based on the poetry of great Persian poets, spoke to the deepest layers of the human experience, resonating with Marjan on both a personal and cultural level.
Shajarian’s artistry has been a guiding force for Marjan, who strives to create music with emotional depth and purpose. Like Shajarian, Marjan believes that music can serve as a spiritual tool, a medium through which one can navigate the complexities of life and find light even in the darkest times.
Photo: Supplied
Embracing a Global Sound
While Marjan’s roots are deeply embedded in Persian culture, her artistic journey is also shaped by the diverse musical influences she encountered growing up in New Zealand. One of the Western artists who has had a profound impact on her work is pianist Robert Glasper, whose song "The Worst" became a personal anthem for Marjan during her pregnancy. The fusion of jazz, soul, and classical elements in Glasper’s music mirrors Marjan’s own musical approach, which blends various genres to express the full range of human emotion.
Musician Marjan Nelson Photo: Supplied
Marjan’s ability to seamlessly combine Eastern and Western influences reflects her identity as both Persian and Kiwi, embracing the freedom to be authentic in her artistry. For Marjan, music is not just a craft; it is a way of connecting with her heritage, expressing her inner world, and sharing her journey with the world.
Through her music, Marjan Nelson embodies the resilience, hope, and strength that have been passed down through generations of Persian musicians.
