This is the tale of LUNE, a youthful vocalist hailing from Germany, known by her birth name Mailan Ghafouri. Born on September 25, 2002, in Heidelberg, Germany, LUNE comes from a Kurdish family rooted in the Ghafouri tribe, originally from Koy Sanjaq. Escaping the challenging circumstances in Iraq, her parents made the courageous decision to immigrate to Germany in 1995, affording LUNE a vibrant upbringing encompassing diverse cultures. This unique experience has left an indelible mark on her musicality and artistic expression.
In the lurid constellation of the international music scene, a captivating narrative emerges, set to the beat of a prodigious talent. Allow me to introduce Mailan Ghafouri, globally recognized as Lune. This luminary artist has been blazing a trail through the musical universe with her distinct voice, a compelling stage presence, and a spirit deeply rooted in her Kurdish heritage. At the sprightly age of 18, she signed an auspicious deal with Warner Music Central Europe, rocketing her career on an extraordinary trajectory.
Firmly grounded in Hamburg, yet part of the vast network of the New York-headquartered Warner Music Group, Lune's affiliation with Warner Music Central Europe has been an instrumental catalyst in her meteoric rise. This association bestows upon her an enhanced prestige, putting her in the same echelon as global stars like Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and David Guetta.
A transnational star
Lune, despite her tender years, has swiftly ascended to the apex of Germany's young hip-hop and pop generation. She brings her cultural identity to life in her music, selling out concerts across Germany and proudly flying the Kurdish flag during performances, thereby reinforcing her deep-rooted connection to her lineage.
In addition to her artistic prowess, Lune possesses a linguistic versatility, performing effortlessly in both German and French. This linguistic dexterity enhances her global appeal and propels her music across borders. Collaborations with international artists, such as David Guetta and Nej, have further augmented her global footprint, leading to hit songs like "Family" in 2021 and "Nour El Ain" in 2022.
Her debut single "Gebe Auf" achieved Gold status in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, firmly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
In 2023, Lune added to her illustrious discography with a groundbreaking single titled "Steht auf 2023." Reverberating with her signature powerful vocals, the song serves as a clarion call for justice and humanity. Clad in traditional Kurdish attire, Lune demonstrates that she remains fiercely tied to her roots and consistently infuses her music with her cultural identity.
Activist and cultural diplomat
"Steht auf 2023" is more than just a song – it symbolizes Lune's unwavering commitment to strengthening women's rights and protesting against injustices, particularly in Iran. The song pays a poignant tribute to Zhina Amini, who tragically lost her life three days after her arrest by the Iranian moral police. Lune uses her influential platform to shed light on Amini's tragic case and raise awareness about human rights issues globally.
Lune transcends the traditional mold of an artist; she is an activist wielding the power of her music to inspire hope and instigate change. Her commitment to human rights and social justice permeates her songs, rendering her a critical voice in the global music landscape.
Behind the veneer of Lune’s professional triumphs is a profound commitment to her heritage. As the descendant of a revered Kurdish revolutionary who served under the likes of Mullah Mustafa Barzani, Idris Barzani, and Massoud Barzani, Lune harnesses her musical influence to champion recognition and respect for Kurdistan on the global stage.
Although not born and raised in Kurdistan, Lune's familial upbringing has ensured her roots remain close to her heart. She seeks to honor her grandfather's legacy through her music, viewing her voice as an instrument of cultural diplomacy.
Lune mesmerizes audiences with her unique artistry and unfaltering dedication, inspiring a new generation to take pride in their cultural heritage. Her concerts are more than just musical spectacles – they are exuberant celebrations of cultural heritage and powerful exhibitions of human spirit. Her ability to perform in German and French elevates her global appeal and showcases the potential of cultural and linguistic diversity to make a global impact.
Enduring connection to homeland
Separated by geographical distance from her homeland, Lune's Kurdish roots nevertheless remain firmly entrenched, a testament to her family's influence. This deep connection fuels her ambition to leverage her position in the music industry to drive change and serve as an ambassador for her people.
Lune's remarkable 2021 song "Alles Verdient," whose video was filmed in Erbil, Kurdistan, narrates the story of her parents, who fled Saddam's tyranny and built a new life in Germany. The music video stands not only as a tribute to her family's past but also a testament of her enduring connection with Kurdistan.
Lune's music is not only the core of her identity but also an expression of respect and love for her people. With her songs, she aims to shed light on the richness and diversity of the often-misunderstood Kurdish culture. She seeks to bridge the gap between her homeland and the rest of the world, acknowledging the history and contributions of the Kurdish people.
With her captivating voice, authentic music, and passionate message, the future promises many more successes for Lune. As she continues to stay true to her roots and to inspire people worldwide with her music and dedication to her culture, we can expect to see her shine even brighter in the years to come. It remains to be seen what impact her music and cultural advocacy will have globally, but one thing is certain: Lune will continue to illuminate the music industry and beyond.
