Jonna Nazirova
Music, Song and Dance of Badakshan
Jahonoro (Jonna) Nazirova was born on February 15, 1984, in Khorog, Tajikistan, grew up in an Ismaili family of musicians and developed a passion for music early in life. She discovered the santur during her childhood music education and dedicated five years to mastering it. After a pause in her musical journey, she enrolled in the University of Arts in Dushanbe but left due to family responsibilities, later marrying and becoming a mother. For 15 years, she focused on raising her family, setting aside her dreams. In 2023, she moved to California with her eldest child, where a reunion with a university friend during an Ismaili celebration reconnected her with music. Gifted a santur by this friend, she reignited her passion and resumed performing. Now, she is dedicated to preserving her cultural traditions and passing her musical knowledge to others.
Living Cultures Grant
2024
Traditional music and dance of Badakshan, community workshops culminating in a cultural performnace in honor of Ruz-e Nur (New day)
This funding will allow our small yet growing community of the Pamirian diaspora, new to California, to sustain our traditional music and dance through workshops for our community of newly immigrant Pamirian artists culminating in a cultural performance in honor of our traditional celebration of Ruz-e Nur (New Day).
