Morteza Pashaei was an Iranian musician, composer, and pop singer. Born and raised in Tehran, Pashaei studied graphic design and was interested in music since his childhood, when he began playing guitar. Less than two decades later, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2013 and hospitalized at Tehran's Bahman Hospital on 3 November 2014. Chemotherapy was administered for the aggressive cancer, but the attempt to slow the cancer failed. His health deteriorated. He died on 14 November 2014, aged 30.
Early life
Morteza Pashaei was born on 11 August 1984 in Aryashahr, Tehran. He was interested in music since his childhood and began playing the guitar at the age of fourteen. In addition to playing the guitar, he also played the piano and wrote many of his own songs. He studied graphic design in Islamic Azad University and graduated in 2009"
Music career
Pashaei began his professional music career in 2009 by publishing his songs on the internet, notably YouTube. As an artist, he was known to be quite innovative. He is best known for his Yeki Hast track. Despite his sudden rise to stardom, Morteza was known to be very down to earth, and always showed love and appreciation towards his many fans. His fans now affectionately call him by the nickname "Emperator," which literally translates to emperor.
Cancer
In late September 2013, it was announced that Pashaei was diagnosed with stomach cancer. His relatives denied the news but his official website announced that his planned concerts had been cancelled due to Morteza's illness. He appeared with a hat in a TV show one month later and spoke about his illness. He underwent a major surgery before announcing the news. On 3 November 2014, Pashaei was transferred to Bahman Hospital and was hospitalized in ICU. As his physical condition worsened, thousands of fans gathered around the hospital where he was staying. Despite his condition, Morteza never gave up, and he kept fighting. According to his doctor, it was Morteza's strength that kept him alive for a year. His doctor also mentioned that until his last moments, Morteza still had hope and he was looking forward to performing at his first Canadian concert in Toronto on 29 November 2014, which was to be the beginning of his Canadian, and eventually international tour. However, unfortunately, he never had the chance to make it, and his friend and fellow singer, Farzad Farzin, agreed to do the concert in his place, and perform all of Morteza's songs in his honour. One of Morteza's greatest achievements besides being a legendary Iranian singer at such a young age, was that his talents gained international recognition as well. After his death, he got a letter of recognition from Canada's minister of citizenship and immigration. In the letter, Pashaei was acknowledged for his efforts to promote Iranian culture in Canada, and for his unique talents that have gained him the reputation as a legend of the Iranian community and around the world. Undoubtedly, Pashaei was an exceptionally talented artist, however that is only half the reason that he was so loved, and left behind such a phenomenally enduring legacy; the other reasons include that he had a huge heart and that is how he will always be remembered by those who will continue to love him and think of all of the beautiful memories he left behind. Although he was ill himself, he never failed to care for others as well. In fact, during his illness, he happily accepted the ALS challenge and donated to the cause, while encouraging his fans and other fellow singers to pitch in to help as well.
Death
He died after a long battle with stomach cancer on 14 November 2014 at the age of 30. His funeral was held on 16 November at Vahdat Hall and he was buried at Behesht-e Zahra in a private ceremony at night. Millions of his fans attended his funeral in an unusual procession and recited his songs while he was being buried. His death reunited the Iranian people as they grieved the death of the 30-year-old legend. His funeral gathered the largest crowd in Iran since the protests of the 2009 election. Still after several weeks have passed, thousands of family, friends, and fans visit his grave with flowers, candles, and pictures of Morteza. In addition, fans who live outside of Iran, show their love for their idol on social network media sites, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
