Iranian-Dutch singer Sevdaliza to hit Seoul

Iranian-Dutch singer-songwriter Sevdaliza

By John Redmond

Iranian-Dutch singer-songwriter Sevdaliza brings her unique brand of music to HanaTour VHall near Hongik University in western Seoul, March 20.

Following the success of her debut album “ISON,” the singer, songwriter and record producer has embarked on a world tour with sold-out shows in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Sevdaliza’s extraordinary style mixes trip-hop influences with mysterious Persian elements and a voice reminiscent of a gothic Sade.

In the provocative music video for her single “Human” Sevdaliza appears as a centaur and erotic dancer performing in a large room with a dirt floor and classical detailing in front of an audience sitting on a mezzanine. Her small audience is men who are clearly rich, being served food and receiving this seemingly private and exclusive performance.

The clip is accompanied by the quote, “The basic human need to be watched was once satisfied by god.”

The singer claims her music is inspired by ideas of womanhood, identity and motherhood.

In 2015, Sevdaliza released two short albums, “The Suspended Kid” and “Children of Silk.” While her music is typically in English, she released her first Persian-language song "Bebin" in early 2017 in protest of Executive Order 13769, commonly known as U.S. President Donald Trump’s Muslim ban.

Organizer Veronica Effect claims this performance is the first of many to come.

“Veronica Effect is going to arrange various performances and exhibitions with many different musicians and artists around the world,” the website states.

Tickets cost 55,000 won and the performance begins at 8 p.m.

Visit vhall.co.kr or facebook.com/VeronicaEffect for more information.