ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Kurdish song created with the help of artificial intelligence has surged in global popularity, sparking debate about technology and artistry while drawing millions of listeners across social media.
“Her e Gulê,” performed under the name “Hiva,” has spread rapidly on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, with users across different countries incorporating the track into their videos. Despite skepticism from some critics who argue that AI-generated music lacks authenticity, the song’s widespread appeal has proven difficult to ignore.
The creator behind the viral hit, a Kurdish musician and producer known by the stage name Paix, says the project is far more complex than simply generating a song with a text prompt.
“If it were that easy, thousands of songs like this would exist,” Paix said in an interview with Rudaw. He explained that developing the track involved weeks of experimentation, including testing multiple AI-generated voices and producing six different versions before selecting the final release.
The artist, originally named Baris Korkmaz and hailing from Dersim, or Tunceli, in southeastern Turkey, blends Kurdish and German influences in his work, reflecting his upbringing in the diaspora. He said the unexpected success of “Her e Gulê” left him “shocked” but grateful, noting that the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Beyond its viral success, the song has had a cultural impact, with many listeners embracing the Kurdish language through the track. “Many people who didn’t want to speak Kurdish are now repeating ‘Kurmanji,’” the interviewer noted.
Paix emphasized that human creativity remains central to his process, even when using AI tools. He composes melodies himself - often using traditional instruments such as the saz - before integrating them into AI systems to refine the final output.
“I see it as innovation meeting art,” he said, pushing back against the idea that AI threatens music. “If it has an emotional impact, then it matters.”
Despite his growing fame, Paix continues to conceal his identity, appearing in public wearing a mask. He says he will not reveal his face until he achieves broader personal goals, including promoting peace and amplifying unheard voices through his work.
