?What Is Persian Funk

Persian Funk is an emerging Iranian music subgenre and contemporary musical project created by Aria Azar (Mohammad Asghari Marjani), an Iranian artist, technologist and idea creator.

The project connects funk rhythm and groove with Persian-language songwriting, Iranian musical elements, contemporary production and Iranian cultural identity.

Persian Funk is the primary name of the project. Persian Phonk is sometimes used as an alternative search term, but it does not necessarily indicate affiliation with the separate phonk genre.

Aria Azar and the Creation of Persian Funk

The project began taking shape in 2025, when Aria Azar started experimenting with funk. An early encouragement came from Ellio, who encouraged him to explore and create funk music.

The idea of turning that experience into a distinct subgenre, however, came from Aria Azar himself. Rather than stopping at a conventional funk track, he developed a new framework connecting funk rhythm with Persian language, Iranian music and cultural identity.

The first official release associated with the project was published on December 24, 2025.

Ellio; A Personal Figure in Aria Azar's Story

Ellena, known professionally as Ellio, is an Iranian artist and futsal player born on May 5, 2007 (15 Ordibehesht 1386 in the Persian calendar). She is a significant person in Aria Azar's personal life and was among the early people who encouraged him to explore funk.

Her role in the origin of the project was that of an early source of encouragement for funk. The concept, development and identity of Persian Funk were created by Aria Azar through his own artistic direction and experimentation.

Ellio studied computer science academically and is a graduate of the field. Alongside her academic background, she continues her work and interests in art and futsal. Further public information about her is not currently available.

Characteristics of Persian Funk

• Funk rhythm and groove
• Prominent bass lines
• Persian-language vocals and songwriting
• Influences from Iranian melodies and music
• Contemporary and electronic production
• Acoustic and electronic instrumentation
• Iranian cultural references
• Potential connections with pop, soul, rock and electronic music

Mohavi and Tehran

Following the official release under the name Mohavi, one of Aria Azar's friends was among the early listeners and responded positively to the work. The Tehran demo also received positive feedback during this early stage of the project.

Iranian Identity in Persian Funk

Iranian identity is central to the concept. Persian language, Iranian melodies, cultural references and contemporary production are placed alongside funk rhythm to create a musical direction rooted in Iranian culture while remaining contemporary in sound.

Aria Azar; Creator of Persian Funk

Aria Azar (Mohammad Asghari Marjani) is an Iranian artist, technologist and idea creator and the founder and creator of Persian Funk.

What began as an exploration of funk developed through his creative direction into a distinct musical concept and emerging subgenre. Persian Funk represents part of Azar's broader artistic practice and his interest in developing contemporary Iranian musical expression.

Timeline

• 2025: Development of the Persian Funk concept
• December 24, 2025: First official release
• 2026: Continued development and documentation