"Wow, some Luri vibe in his house!"
My Iranian friend's words echoed through my sister's home as I arrived. As I went about my routine after just arriving to my sister's house, at first, I barely registered the comment, dismissing it as just another passing remark. Because initially, I paid little heed to the music playing in the background, dismissing it as just another track from my sister's diverse "khareji" playlist, humming softly in the kitchen.
As I settled in, I ventured into the kitchen where the music emanated. And there, in that ordinary moment, I experienced an extraordinary revelation.
And so, my journey with Vandaar began—a journey sparked by curiosity and a newfound appreciation for the cultural depth of his music.
But why did our Friend Said "Luri" vibe?
Unveiling the Luri Dialect
Luri, also known as Lori (IPA: [loriː]), is a Southwestern Iranian language continuum spoken by the Lurs, an Iranian people native to Iran. The Luri dialects, including Central Luri, Bakhtiari[+], and Southern Luri, are descended from Middle Persian. This language is predominantly spoken by the Bakhtiari and Southern Lurs. Its native speakers were estimated to be 4–5 million in 2012.[+]
Map of Luri-inhabited provinces of Iran, according to a poll in 2010.
Unlike many other Iranian languages, Luri has remained relatively untouched by foreign influences such as Arabic and Turkic, preserving its unique linguistic characteristics and cultural heritage.
The Musical Journey of Vandaar
One such distinct voice emerging from the heart of Lorestan is that of Vandaar, a trailblazing young artist who is reshaping the landscape of Pop and R&B with the melodic nuances of the Luri dialect.
Born on July 19, 1997, in the picturesque city of Khorramabad, Lorestan, Vandaar وَندار /vandār/ embarked on his musical journey, drawing inspiration from his Luri roots. Leaving university at 19 to pursue his passion, he delved into the world of electronic music arrangement. In 2020, Vandaar made significant strides in the music industry, introducing a new wave of Persian music infused with the soulful melodies and rhythmic cadences of the Luri dialect.
Pushing Boundaries and Redefining Persian Music
Vandaar isn't just creating music; he's spearheading a revolution. By blending traditional Luri sounds with contemporary pop and R&B beats, he's breaking barriers and redefining what Persian music can be. Tracks like "Ve Delemi" and "Shoe Rooz" quickly gained popularity, showcasing his versatility and creativity.
My favourite music of him (it is actually so hard to decide though)
Understanding the Luri Dialect
You might wonder if a person from Tehran can understand the Luri dialect. The answer is complex. Due to diverse regional and socio-ecological conditions, different dialects of Luri, despite having mainly common characteristics, exhibit significant differences. Personal exposure and familial connections can also influence comprehension.
As someone with maternal roots in the Luri culture, I recall moments when I encountered Luri music. Though not fully fluent, I could grasp about 80% of the content, thanks to familial exposure. However, when exposed to other dialects like Vandaar, my understanding decreased significantly, highlighting the nuances within the Luri dialect.
I know, my journey with Vandaar just began—a journey fueled by curiosity and a newfound appreciation for the cultural richness embedded within his music. With each listen, I find myself captivated by the depth of emotion and the intricate storytelling woven into his compositions.
I wish him and artists like him the best all around the world!
Connect with Vandaar
Stay updated on his latest releases and projects by following him on social media:
Your support means the world to me, so please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
🧡Learn, Enjoy, Connect 🧡
With gratitude and Love,
باسپاس و مهر،
Shirin
