"New Album Celebrates Iranian Women’s Struggles"
Milan-based Persian experimental electronic artist NAVA is set to release her highly anticipated debut album, “GABBEH,” on November 14 via Oyez! The album is a poignant tribute to the Iranian Women, Life, Freedom movement, highlighting the struggle for women’s rights in Iran. NAVA’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her commitment to elevate the voices of women who have been silenced amid repression.
Following her emotive return single “Fire,” which features renowned producer Loraine James and incorporates samples from the Iranian protests, NAVA’s new single “Poki” was released recently. The track embodies her heritage while exploring the intimate relationship between music and identity. Its underlying themes speak of self-reflection and the importance of music in shaping her existence, showcasing her unique blend of hyperpop and electronic sounds.
The album “GABBEH” is not just a collection of songs; it emerges as a personal diary that captures NAVA’s experiences of displacement, nostalgia, and resilience. Unable to return to her homeland due to her outspoken advocacy for women’s rights, she uses her music as a vessel to navigate her identity and relationship with her culture. Each track is a reflection of her thoughts, questions, and emotional journey accompanied by a rich tapestry of sounds that create a profound listening experience.
In crafting “GABBEH,” NAVA collaborated extensively with co-writer Erio in a spontaneous, organic process that birthed the album’s nine tracks. The project draws from deeply rooted Persian traditions and symbolic references, transforming cultural proverbs, rituals, and celebrations into contemporary musical narratives. The title “GABBEH” reflects traditional handmade carpets woven by nomadic tribes, serving as a metaphor for storytelling and memory, with each song intricately fashioned from NAVA’s life experiences.
NAVA’s innovative approach intertwines multiple languages—Persian, English, and Italian—into her lyrics, allowing universal themes of longing and self-discovery to resonate. Each song within “GABBEH” offers a distinct emotional landscape while sharing a collective story of courage, identity, and the quest for freedom. The album embraces contrasts, exploring the tension between feeling privileged and grappling with guilt, raising questions about the price of artistic expression.
Followed by vivid imagery and existential themes, NAVA addresses the dichotomy of desire, artistic creation, and the haunting fear of losing oneself. The creative process has not only revitalized her connection to her roots but has also established her music as a form of protest and resilience against systemic oppression.
Join NAVA on her transcendent musical journey with the release of “GABBEH” on November 14. The album promises to be an intimate ritual, a courageous act of expression, and a heartfelt tribute to those navigating the complexities of identity across borders. Pre-order it now to experience this compelling amalgamation of art, culture, and activism.
