Janan Sawa

Janan Sawa
Background information
Birth name Janan Sawa
Born 1956
Origin Dohuk, Iraq
Genres Syriac folk music
Years active 1985–present

Janan Sawa (born 1956 Dohuk, Iraq) (Syriac: ܔܢܐܢ ܒܒܐ ܣܒ݂ܐ‎) is an Assyrian musician who is noted for making Assyrian folk dance music which have a Kurdish influence in instrumentation. A Chaldean Catholic by faith, Janan started singing in 1972, at the age of 17. Janan has performed throughout the world, and has visited his hometown of Dohuk and Northern Iraq on many occasions.

Biography

In 1975, Janan's father forced him to marry. He spent 4 years in the Iraqi army, from 1974 to 1978. In 1980, Janan fled Iraq and settled in Greece for 2 years. He finally left for the United States in 1982, where he remains a resident. After arriving in the U.S., Janan worked as a taxicab driver for 2 years. In 1984, he was hired by a restaurant to sing on a nightly basis. In 1985, he recorded his first studio album, named "Nohadra", the Assyrian name for his hometown, Dohuk. The album ultimately established his professional singing career, and until this date Janan has released over 25 albums and recorded close to 200 songs.

During his time in Dohuk, Janan would sing on regular occasions such as picnics and family events. Janan has also appeared and performed live on music television programs in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Style

Janan's musical style is influenced by Assyrian/Syriac Folk, Kurdish and Turkish music. Janan can also perform fluently in Kurdish.

Personal life

He has been married once and is now divorced, but had two daughters with his ex-wife. He currently resides in Michigan. His brother, Esam Sawa, is also a singer.[1]

Discography

  • 1985 - Nohadra
  • 1986 - Tamboree
  • 1986 - Zamareh
  • 1987 - Yema
  • 1988 - Sayada
  • 1989 - Jwanka D'Hakkari
  • 1990 - Lawando
  • 1991 - Kirkuk
  • 1992 - Ana Ewan Beth Nahrin
  • 1993 - Zowaa
  • 1994 - Kha B'Nisan
  • 1995 - Shara D'Ninwahyeh
  • 1996 - Mix of Janan Sawa
  • 1997 - Nahrin
  • 1998 - Broony
  • 2001 - Shtwaher Ya Yema
  • 2002 - Bderen L'Nohadra
  • 2002 - Lenwa Ana
  • 2004 - Qinate Min Atra
  • 2005 - Hekle Tlekhe
  • 2006 - Zorna Dahola
  • 2006 - Kholma Sharira
  • 2008 - Ishtar
  • 2011 - Zamrin B'Khobakh
  • 2012 - Atta
  • 2013 - Bayenna

References

  1. ↑ http://www.qeenatha.com/EsamSawa
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