BIOGRAPHY

Emad Bonakdar grew up in Tehran, Iran, during a time when music was

banned by the Islamic regime. A self-taught musician, he began his musical

journey alone, dedicating twenty years to mastering his craft and searching

for his true musical voice. He eventually found a home in Flamenco—a style that resonated deeply with his heart, allowing him to express emotions and passion in ways no other music could.

Blending his love of traditional Persian music with the soulful, expressive

power of Flamenco, Emad developed a unique sound that is distinctly his own.

His first fusion music concert took place in Tehran in 1991, and in 1999, he

released his debut album, ARG, inspired by the rich culture of the ancient

Persian Empire and the Magham melody tradition. The album was banned for two years in Iran due to his collaboration with female singer Mamak Khadem.

Throughout his career, Emad has composed for television serials, short

advertisements, and films, including the score for Mum’s Guest, directed by

Daryoush Mehrjooee, as well as works with Ebrahim Hatamikia, Ramin

Mohseni, and Sepideh Khosrojah. He was nominated for the World Music

Festival Prize in New York in 2004. His last live performance in Iran was a

benefit concert for the Bam earthquake victims, later released on DVD.

Emad has also composed music theater for Tarabnameh 1, directed by the

acclaimed Iranian writer and director Bahram Beyzaie, performed at Stanford University. In 2006, he moved to the United States, where he continued to innovate in Fusion Music, performing at venues such as Yoshi's Jazz Club, Red Poppy Art House, Club Fox, Central Stage, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

In 2025, Emad won the Best Fusion Music award at the International

Music Awards in Los Angeles, cementing his status as a pioneering voice

in the contemporary world and fusion music.

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