parool

When we performed in Serbia, we looked for a human smuggler

When we performed in Serbia, we looked for a human smuggler

Two Iranian brothers fled their home country after facing arrest and persecution, eventually embarking on a perilous journey through Serbia to seek asylum in the Netherlands. Despite starting as refugees, they overcame significant challenges to become successful electronic music producers who now perform sold-out shows worldwide.

Two brothers from Iran have shared their traumatic journey from fleeing their home country to finding success as musicians in the Netherlands. After being arrested at a party in Iran and facing persecution for a book he wrote, one brother fled to Malaysia. His sibling later joined him, and together they pursued their shared passion for electronic music despite significant legal and financial hardships, including being stateless. Their pursuit of music eventually led them to achieve a Billboard Top 40 hit in Malaysia.

However, due to complications with individuals they worked with, the brothers were forced to flee Malaysia. They traveled through Serbia, where they navigated the dangers of human smuggling to reach the Netherlands. After seeking asylum, they faced initial rejection from the music industry before signing with Hardwell's label. Today, the duo performs sold-out shows globally. They have settled in the Netherlands, where they are now building homes together, fulfilling a lifelong promise to remain by each other's side regardless of the circumstances.

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Related articles

Princess Amalia promoted to sergeant 9 months after appointment as corporal

Princess Amalia promoted to sergeant 9 months after appointment as corporal

Princess Amalia has been promoted to the rank of sergeant by the Royal Netherlands Navy after serving nine months as a corporal. The promotion took place on the Norwegian vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Den Helder as part of her ongoing military internship.

Ricky Gervais to perform 'most personal show yet' at AFAS Live in July

Ricky Gervais to perform 'most personal show yet' at AFAS Live in July

Comedian Ricky Gervais will bring his latest stand-up show, titled Legend, to Amsterdam's AFAS Live this July. Tickets for the performance go on sale this Friday, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to charity.

Review: The eighth season of Gooische Vrouwen is bold, cheesy, dramatic, and occasionally touching again

Review: The eighth season of Gooische Vrouwen is bold, cheesy, dramatic, and occasionally touching again

The eighth season of the hit series Gooische Vrouwen returns with its signature blend of drama, comedy, and extravagant characters set in the affluent Gooi region. The new episodes explore mature themes such as marriage, independence, and social class while reuniting the core group of female friends.

Not selling out is not a death blow for festival: 'But be careful not to price yourself out of the market'

Not selling out is not a death blow for festival: 'But be careful not to price yourself out of the market'

Festival organizations in the Netherlands faced a challenging summer marked by extreme weather, rising operational costs, and fluctuating ticket sales. Despite these significant hurdles, industry professionals remain optimistic due to the sector's inherent creativity and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.

Zach Bryan has rediscovered his love for music since getting sober

Zach Bryan has rediscovered his love for music since getting sober

Country singer Zach Bryan has shared that achieving sobriety has helped him rediscover his passion for songwriting and improved his mental health. After struggling with alcohol dependency and panic attacks, the musician now feels a renewed sense of energy and appreciation for daily life.