Portfolio

About Me

Hello, I’m Ali ATH, an Afghan Hip Hop pioneer whose music reflects the daily struggles and experiences, particularly in Afghanistan where issues like lack of human rights, corruption, and freedom have deeply impacted me. From an early age, I embraced music as a means of expression and empowerment. At just 15 years old, I started producing music with a computer purchased by my parents who took out a loan for this purpose.

My music gained significant attention and was played during demonstrations against the Taliban regime both before and after they took over the government. I’ve performed on national Afghan TV multiple times and in front of thousands live. I’ve released multiple albums and numerous singles, producing hundreds of songs for fellow artists while constantly innovating in my craft. Notably, I became the first person in Afghanistan to distribute music on international platforms such as Spotify and iTunes.

Despite these achievements, the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan posed grave threats to my safety. Due to the volatile conditions and increased risk, I made the difficult decision to seek refuge. Thankfully, I was granted a temporary humanitarian visa to Germany, allowing me to leave Afghanistan safely.

This experience has further strengthened my resolve to use music as a tool for social change and to advocate for human rights. My journey continues as I navigate new challenges and opportunities to share my voice with the world.

Discography

As a pioneering hip hop producer and rapper, I have made significant contributions to the Afghan music scene. I am the first person in Afghanistan to use sampling techniques and one of the few with expertise in music engineering, mixing, and mastering. Over the years, I have released more than 30 singles, three albums, and produced over 100 songs for well-known artists in our community.

Album

Innocent Evil (LP)

“Innocent Evil” is an audio film that follows my story in an alternative universe, from birth to ultimately taking my life rather than compromising my morals to fit into a corrupt society. This album explores themes such as mental health, childhood trauma, the impact of terrorism, motivation, the effects of fame, and relationship struggles. It provides an intimate look into my experiences and the challenges I face.

Saada (Debut Album)

“Saada” represents my simple nature and desire for simplicity in life, despite the complexities I face. This debut album introduces my perspective and artistic vision, setting the foundation for my music career.

Create & Thrive (EP)

This EP addresses various social, familial, and political issues, emphasizing resilience and creativity. The collaboration with Glen Reynolds highlights our commitment to creating and thriving through music, no matter the challenges we face.

Singles & Productions

Released over 30 singles, each reflecting different aspects of my life and the issues I am passionate about.

Produced over 100 songs for renowned artists within our community, showcasing my skills in music engineering, mixing, and mastering.

Social Activities

As a musician, I have consistently used my platform to protest against injustices and raise awareness about social issues, spreading hope through my music. The impact of my work is wide-ranging:

Women Rights

I’ve performed multiple times in Bagh Shahr Aaraa, Kabul’s exclusively women’s garden where no men are allowed inside, and at events like International Women’s Day, celebrating and advocating for women’s rights and empowerment.

Street Children

I have performed for working children and, with the help of donors, provided them with school materials, emphasizing the importance of education and support for underprivileged youth.

TV Performances

My performances on national TV have featured songs focused on social inequalities, using the platform multiple times to highlight and challenge systemic issues.

Protests

My music has been a significant element in protests against the Taliban regime, both inside and outside Afghanistan, uniting people and amplifying the call for justice and freedom.

Career Highlights

2013

Afshar Genocide Memorial Performance

2014

1st Ever Hip Hop Concert

2015

Gape Javan Show, Celebrating Young Art & Artists

2016

Fundraising Concert for Street Children

2018

Performing on Tolo TV for Millions of Live Viewers

2022

Behid The Scenes of My Documentary About Afghan Musicians

2023

Performing for Hundreds of Afghan Immigrants in Erfurt, Germany

2023

Talking About My Experience As an Immigrant to German Crowd.

2024

Performance After Showcasing my Documentary in (DFF)

As a pioneering Afghan Hip Hop producer and rapper, my music career has been a powerful tool for advocating for social justice and human rights. Here are some notable highlights:

2013: Performed for thousands at a memorial anniversary organized by Setade Gole Sorkh, commemorating the 1993 genocide of the Hazara people in Afshar.
2014: Organized the first-ever Afghan hip hop concert with a few other musicians from the west side of Kabul, attracting thousands of attendees.
2014 – 2020: Appeared on national and private TV networks to perform songs for special events such as New Year’s celebrations, UFC events, and morning shows.
2014 – Present: Consistently released singles and provided content in my music, innovating both in music production and marketing. Produced over 100 songs for other artists, earning the nickname “Afghan Dr. Dre” and achieving millions of views and listens.
2015: Released debut album Saada, which has gained millions of views despite restricted internet access in Afghanistan, with fans sharing songs via Bluetooth.
2015: Performed for International Women’s Day for a crowd of exclusively women, organized by Zardozi NGO.
2016: Produced a various artists album Great Dynamic Vol.1 to share the attention received with other hip hop artists. Organized a concert in Kabul with all proceeds donated to charity.
2016: Performed for International Women’s Day at Cactus Cafe and later that year at an art exhibition by Afghan girls.
2017: Followed up with Great Dynamic Vol.2 to bring even more attention to newer artists in our community. Also performed for street children and helped provide school materials through donations.
2017: Collaborated with American singer-songwriter Glen Reynolds to create the EP Create & Thrive. This collaboration featured an artist who had worked with great names such as Kendrick Lamar and Talib Kweli.
2017 – Present: Songs have been used in protests against injustice in Afghanistan, becoming anthems for resistance and advocacy.
2018: Released full-length LP Innocent Evil, which received great feedback from the community. The versatile songs from the album were played at parties, protest rallies, and many people have shared that the album had a profound personal impact, even saving lives.
2021: After the Taliban takeover, took a huge risk to start making a documentary about Afghan musicians’ lives under Taliban rule, highlighting the restrictions and dangers they faced.
2022: Granted a humanitarian visa to Germany due to the high risk posed by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Late 2022: Awarded a fellowship by the Institute of International Education (IIE) under the Artists Protection Fund (APF) program.
2023: Performed for hundreds of Afghans and internationals in Erfurt, Germany, taking a stance against the Taliban.
Early 2024: Showcased 20 minutes of the documentary at the Deutsches Filminstitut und Filmmuseum (DFF) in Frankfurt, Germany, which was very successful and helped five other musicians and their families obtain humanitarian visas and leave Afghanistan.

Currently: APF Fellow residing in Bard College Berlin.

These highlights showcase my commitment to using music as a platform for innovation and social change, supporting those affected by injustices and advocating for a better future.

Some Articles Written About Me

Mannheimer Morgen 2024
Afghan rapper Ali ATH fights for music in Dari in Mannheim

After his escape, Ali ATH lives in Mannheim. In addition to music, he is also a passionate video producer. How he processes his experiences in his rap music and wants to help others with his company…

Deutches Filminstitut Und Filmmuseum 2024
Ali ATH – Rap from Afghanistan

Multi-talented Ali ATH began his career as a rapper in Afghanistan in 2009. He has now produced more than 60 pieces and worked with more than 20 different hip hop and rap artists. Since 2011, he has released numerous rap songs of his own with great success…

The World.org 2021
Rapper Ali ATH wonders if there’s a place for him in Afghanistan’s future

Up-and-coming rapper Ali ATH overcame many obstacles to get into the music business in Afghanistan. Now, as the Taliban gets ready to return to power, he wonders if he will be able to remain in his country…

Sputnik International 2016
Afghan Rap: In the Name of Patriotism and Charity

In an interview with Sputnik, Afghan Rap Artist Ali ATH spoke about his creative path towards his musical dream, today’s work and plans for the nearest future…

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