Oman today_ The City of Los Angeles honored Iranian renowned singer Aref Arefkia with a certificate of appreciation at a ceremony held at City Hall. Sharing photos of the event on Instagram, Aref wrote: “I sincerely thank the Mayor of Los Angeles and the esteemed members of the City Council for granting me this certificate of appreciation. Receiving this recognition from a city that symbolizes culture, creativity, and diversity is truly valuable and inspiring for me.”
Aref Arefkia began his artistic career in the 1960s and quickly became one of the leading figures in Iranian pop music. With over 500 recorded songs and more than 20 albums released, he has built one of the most remarkable careers in the history of Persian pop music. His collaborations with the most influential composers of his era played a crucial role in shaping the golden age of Persian pop, and many of his works went beyond commercial success to become cultural anthems, including the iconic song “Sultan of Hearts.”
During the Pahlavi era, Aref was also awarded the Royal Medal of Honor by Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, highlighting his cultural significance. Following the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, he migrated to the United States and has lived in Los Angeles for over four decades.
Throughout his years in the U.S., Aref maintained a continuous presence in the Iranian music scene abroad through concerts and numerous releases, and his voice has remained familiar to multiple generations of listeners. About a year ago, after announcing his battle with cancer, the renowned singer paused his artistic activities.