by other singers and more recently by the late Nasrat Parsa (Masoma) made them memorable. Controversy Saifo had established a reputation by the 80s for his unconventional style and boldness. His practice led to several controversies. In one wedding where his band was leading the music, he questioned the virility of the groom. On another occasion, he referred to a woman's breasts as hidden apples. Both of these happened while he was in heat of his singing stupor. Although he was satirized later, he was not dismissed from these events. However, on Mother's Day, he was requested to sing a song for mothers and controversy began. He is said to have started singing one of his songs in which he improvised (Persian: دو زلفان سیاه چو مار داری مادر من ... شنیدم با رقيبان تار داري مادر من ) which translates as ...two long black tresses like a snake you have, O Mother …I've known with our rivals illicit relations you have, O Mother. This led to agitation of the crowd who pelted him with tomatoes and eggs. Despite the negative publicity, the singer maintained the crowd misinterpreted the true meaning of his words. Death The exact circumstances of Saifo's death are not clear. However, some sources attribute it to his lyrics which had provoked people at a wedding he was performing. It is maintained the wedding was a Taliban general's (the then rulers of Afghanistan) and Saifo offended the guests. What he sang and exactly what led to the Taliban soldiers firing on him is an issue of debate. Discography Masoma Mahali 1 Trivia The comrade musicians of his band were highly respectful of him and obeyed his orders. When asked about claims of plagiarism, he vehemently refuted the charge and said the accusers are jealous people who didn't have sharp, instantaneous composing skills like he had and therefore are doing all they can to discredit him. Unlike other singers, he refused to leave Afghanistan despite the strife and civil war. References Mikalina. Music of Afghanistan Before the War. Retrieved 27 August 2005. Kabul TV. Interview with Saifo. July 1988. Living people 1942 births 20th-century Afghan male singers