The renowned Assyrian singer Evin Agassi, born in Kermanshah, Iran in 1945, has passed away after battling a severe brain tumor for several years.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of Evin’s passing. With his family by his side, Evin took his last breath tonight at 6:49 pm, on September 17. As many of you know, Evin was diagnosed with Glioblastoma – an aggressive inoperable form of brain cancer on July 12, 2024,” the Agassi family said in a statement on his official Instagram page.
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“Despite a comprehensive treatment plan, the cancer did not respond to radiation and chemotherapy as we had all hoped and prayed for. We (and hope you all) take solace in knowing that Evin passed away peacefully and pain free.”
The family promised that his music will live on for generations to come and announced the creation of Agassi Productions to keep his legacy alive.
“Although we are weary from our journey of grief, we are eternally grateful for the outpour of love and prayer. You provided us all with strength in the most difficult of times. We are certain that Evin is smiling down on us all, as he takes center stage from the heavens above.”
Born in Iran, in 1945, Evin Agassi began his career at National Iranian Radio, recording popular Persian songs. Due to censorship following the Islamic Revolution, he moved to California in the United States in the late 1970s.
“Evin Agassi’s voice was not just a sound, but a powerful force that united generations, carried our culture across borders, and kept the spirit of our heritage alive in every corner of the globe,” the Assyrian American National Federation said in a post on X.
His songs were also banned by the Ba’ath regime under Saddam Hussein. He also performed in Syria and in Iraqi Kurdistan. His last album, Ghasreh (Palaces), was released in 2023.
“Words cannot express the deep sadness in our hearts as we lost one of the greatest artists in the Assyrian nation,” Head of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Components at the Kurdistan Region Presidency Florin G. Seudin told Kurdistan Chronicle.
“Every Assyrian is heartbroken today as we lost one of our nation’s pillars. Although he wais Assyrian, he was a cherished artist for Chaldeans, Syriacs, and Armenians as well.
“Evin’s heritage will never die and his legacy will live within our hearts forever. We grew up with his songs. His 45-year career was very significant for his nation and church.”
