Mohsen Namjoo (born in 1976 in Torbat-e Jam,) is an Iranian musician, singer and songwriter. His unique style of music is influenced by Blues and Rock as well as Iranian folk music. The lyrics of his songs are also an odd combination of Persian classical poems, his own lyrics, and contemporary poems. He uses the words freely with irony and sarcasm to carry the music and make a free style of singing.
The ‘New York Times’ wrote that some called Namjoo "Iran's Bob Dylan"
In late 1997 and early 1998, Namjoo had his first two concerts, themed ‘modern combination of Iranian poetry and music’. In 2003 he started recording parts of his own works in Tehran. His debut album titled ‘Toranj’ was officially released in Iran in September 2007. He also composed soundtracks for movies and plays.
In 2006 he was sentenced in absentia to a five-year jail term by Iranian courts for allegedly ridiculing the Ash-Shams, a sura of Quran in the song named ‘Shams’. The conviction took place in spite of his formal apology. After establishing himself in the West, he released this song on his ‘Oy’ album as a single.

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Accessed Date: 28/10/2012