Siranush Hrachyayi Harutyunyan, known to the world as Sirusho, is not just a singer and songwriter; she is a cultural icon who has spent over two decades enriching the Armenian music scene with her unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. Born on January 7, 1987, in Yerevan, Soviet Armenia, Sirusho’s deep connection to music and culture was practically destined. Her father, Hrachya Harutyunyan, was a respected actor and director, and her mother, Syuzan Margaryan, was one of Armenia’s most beloved singers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sirusho's musical journey began at an early age. By the time she was seven, she was already writing her own songs in both Armenian and English. At nine, she won her first award for the song "Lusabats," a poignant piece that set the tone for her future work, which often fuses deep cultural roots with a modern sensibility. This early recognition was a harbinger of what was to come, as Sirusho quickly established herself as a rising star in Armenian music.
Her debut studio album, *Sirusho*, released in 2000 when she was just 13 years old, showcased her potential, but it was her second album, *Sheram* (2005), that truly marked her arrival. This album, which featured traditional Armenian folk songs, was a significant departure from the pop and soul music she had previously performed. The album's lead single, "Shorora," became an instant hit, earning her several prestigious awards, including Best Album and Best Female Performer at the Armenian National Music Awards.
The year 2008 was a turning point in Sirusho’s career, as she gained international recognition after representing Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song "Qélé, Qélé." Co-written by Sirusho and produced by Canadian-Armenian composer DerHova, the song was a masterful blend of Armenian folk elements and contemporary pop, a fusion that has since become Sirusho’s signature style. "Qélé, Qélé" finished fourth in the contest, the highest placement for Armenia at the time, and became a hit across Europe. The BBC hailed her as a "national treasure" of Armenia, a title that reflects her importance not just as a musician, but as a cultural ambassador.
Following her Eurovision success, Sirusho continued to build on her unique musical identity. In 2010, she released her fourth studio album, *Havatum Em*, which included songs that she had previously performed in national contests and other events. The album’s title track, along with other songs like "Erotas" and "Time to Pray," exemplified her ability to seamlessly merge Armenian traditional sounds with contemporary music genres, appealing to both local and international audiences.
One of her most significant projects came in 2012 with the release of the single "PreGomesh." The song, inspired by an Armenian folk song preserved by the legendary Komitas, was a modern dance track that paid homage to her heritage while pushing the boundaries of Armenian pop music. The success of "PreGomesh" led Sirusho to launch a jewelry line of the same name, which blends traditional Armenian designs with modern aesthetics, further extending her influence beyond music.
Sirusho’s commitment to her cultural roots is evident not only in her music but also in her activism. She has been a vocal supporter of the Republic of Artsakh’s independence and has consistently advocated for global recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Her work is a testament to her dedication to preserving and promoting Armenian culture on the world stage.
Throughout her career, Sirusho has received numerous awards and honors, including the title of Honored Artist of Armenia in 2017. Her influence extends far beyond the borders of Armenia, as she continues to perform globally, bringing Armenian music to new audiences.Sirusho’s journey is one of continuous evolution, rooted in tradition yet boldly innovative. Her music not only entertains but also educates and inspires, making her one of the most significant figures in Armenian culture today. With each song, Sirusho reaffirms her place as a torchbearer of Armenian heritage, skillfully blending the old with the new to create a sound that is uniquely her own.
