ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Best known for his Islam-inspired songs, renowned Swedish-Lebanese singer Maher Zain will perform in Erbil for the first time on August 30, at the 28,000-capacity Franso Hariri Stadium.

"I’m so excited to be performing in Erbil for the first time!! Can’t wait to see you all on the 30th of August inshallah [God willing]," Zain said in an August 8 post on his Facebook page.

In the late-2000s, singer, songwriter and music producer Zain was rising to mainstream musical prominence working alongside Swedish-Moroccan producer RedOne, an early collaborator with Lady Gaga. As his relationship with Islam strengthened, Zain’s music became more faith-centered.

He released his debut, internationally successful album Thank You Allah in 2009.

Zain has since garnered a massive following across the Muslim world, with a staggering 5.8 billion YouTube views, 25 million Facebook page likes and performances in more than 35 countries worldwide.

His sophomore album Forgive Me was released in April 2012, followed by One in 2016. He is currently working on a new album, according to his record label's website.

Fans in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have reacted to his announcement of an Erbil show with anticipation.

"We are so excited to see you here. Welcome to our beautiful city," Muhamad N. Maghdid said in a comment on his Facebook post.

"[W]e are so proud of you for your visit to our nice city," Payam Malik wrote.

Najib Abdulrahman, head of the Arts Department of the ISP Company, the concert’s organizers, told Rudaw there are 40 centers across Iraq where Zain's fans could buy tickets.

"Starting from tomorrow, we will start promoting the concert, and we have already opened 40 offices, from Zakho to Basra, dedicated to selling tickets," Abdulrahman said.

Ticket prices for the 90-minute concert will range from 30,000 to 60,000 dinars (approximately $25 to $50), he added.

Security for the concert will be provided in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and Erbil’s Asayesh (internal security) forces, according to Abdulrahman.


Zain is set to arrive in Erbil from Sweden on August 29, he added, when he will be shown Erbil’s historical landmarks.

By Zhelwan Z. Wali / Rudaw