Bidel Barzooei, born on July 27, 1979, in Shirvan, Iran, is one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary Khorasani folk music. Raised in a religious family, his love for music emerged at a very young age. Even as a child, he would craft makeshift instruments out of wood, imagining melodies and rhythms long before he could afford a real instrument. His passion was undeniable, and despite opposition from many around him, Bidel remained steadfast in his musical journey.
He began his formal musical path in his teenage years, starting with a small keyboard that he practiced on diligently. As his skills evolved, he invested in a better instrument and began performing at local gatherings, gradually building a name for himself. Encouraged by friends and respected voices in the music community, he eventually turned to the traditional roots of his culture, deeply inspired by the legendary musicians of the 1950s and 60s, especially the late master Ali Gol Afrouz, famously known as Ali Bakhshi.
Bidel began learning the dotar—a traditional two-stringed instrument central to Khorasani music—under the guidance of the late Master Ali Asghar Eslami and Master Alireza Eslami. His devotion and natural talent quickly set him apart. Alongside his mastery of percussion instruments, his unique approach to the dotar attracted international attention. He was invited to perform at several festivals and cultural events across Europe, including in Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, where he performed alongside Master Eslami and renowned vocalist Sima Bina. Their performances were widely praised and celebrated by both locals and Iranian communities abroad.
Today, Bidel Barzooei stands as a leading voice in regional Iranian music, known not only for his virtuosity but also for his deeply emotional and original compositions. Almost every piece he performs is an authentic expression of his inner world. A gifted poet, he writes most of his lyrics in Kermanshahi Kurdish (Kurmancî), weaving his soul into each word and melody.
More than just a musician, Bidel is a storyteller, a preserver of heritage, and a bridge between the past and present. His music is not just heard—it is felt.