Darin Zanyar, one of Sweden’s best-known pop stars with seven #1 albums, has come out as gay in a post on Instagram.
The singer/songwriter, who generally goes by the single name moniker Darin, shared his post during Stockholm’s annual Pride celebration.
“Everyone in the world should be able to be proud and accepted for who they are,” wrote Darin on Instagram. “I know how difficult it can be. Took me a while, but I am proud to be gay. Happy pride!”
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Darin shot to fame in 2004 at the age of 16 when he came in second on the first season of Swedish “Idol” in 2004. He was immediately signed by recording giant Sony BMG.
His debut album, The Anthem, was released in February 2005 and his first single, “Money for Nothing,” written by Robyn, went straight to #1.
At 33-years-old, Darin is still a hitmaker. His most recent album, Tvillingen, was released in November 2017 and scored with fans hitting #1 on the Swedish charts.
Born in Sweden to parents who had immigrated from Iraq, Darin has said in the past that his song “Identitetslös” is one of his most personal songs.
In an interview in 2018, he explained the song is about being lost and not knowing where you belong. He added he always felt an “inner conflict” within him, referring to his history being an immigrant in Sweden. Although, it’s possible to imagine being closeted might have also informed his songwriting as well.
Check out Darin’s latest single, “En säng av rosor,” which translates to “A Bed of Roses.”
And here’s teenage Darin with his first #1 hit, “Money for Nothing,” penned by Robyn.
Congrats to Darin for living his authentic life out loud!
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