The German rap scene is in mourning following the unexpected death of rapper Xatar, whose real name was Giwar Hajabi. The 43-year-old musician was found dead in a Cologne apartment on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, around 6:30 PM, as confirmed by the Cologne public prosecutor's office. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, prompting authorities to initiate a death investigation to determine if there was any criminal third-party involvement.
According to reports from the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), an autopsy was conducted, revealing no signs of external violence. However, investigations are ongoing, and the results of a toxicological report are expected in the coming weeks. The sudden nature of Xatar's passing has sent shockwaves through the music community, with many fellow artists and fans expressing their grief on social media.
Rapper Farid Bang took to Instagram to pay tribute, stating, "You left German rap as one of the greatest rap legends; I will always remember you fondly." Xatar leaves behind his wife, Farvah, and their five children. The news of his death has not only affected the music world but has also highlighted his complex life story, which included a troubled past and significant contributions to hip-hop culture.
Xatar was born in Iran in 1981 and immigrated to Germany with his parents via Iraq and France in 1985. Growing up in Bonn, he developed a passion for music early on, receiving piano lessons at the age of nine. He later studied International Business and Music Business at the London Metropolitan University from 2005 to 2007.
His musical career took off in 2008 when he released his debut album, "Alles oder nix," which quickly gained popularity. However, Xatar's rise to fame was marred by a notorious incident in 2009 when he and three accomplices robbed a gold transporter near Ludwigsburg, stealing approximately 1.7 million euros in gold. After being apprehended, he confessed to the crime during his trial and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Despite his criminal background, Xatar's influence within the German rap scene grew. He founded the record label "Alles oder Nix Records" in 2007, signing notable artists like SSIO and Schwesta Ewa. His music often reflected his life experiences, with lyrics that resonated with many fans. After serving approximately five years of his sentence, he was released early in 2014.
Following his release, Xatar continued to produce music, releasing three more albums, two of which topped the German charts. His 2015 autobiography, also titled "Alles oder nix," became a bestseller and detailed his life story, including his time in prison and his journey through the music industry. In 2022, his life was adapted into a film titled "Rheingold," directed by Fatih Akin, which further solidified his status as a cultural icon.
In addition to his music career, Xatar was an entrepreneur, running several businesses, including a kebab shop and a shisha bar. His impact extended beyond music; he was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting Yazidi and Kurdish initiatives. Human rights activist Düzen Tekkal, who had known Xatar for years, expressed her sorrow over his passing, stating, "Xatar leaves a void, especially in the German hip-hop culture. He was a role model for many Kurdish and Yazidi youth, having publicly embraced his identity at a time when it was not common to do so."
Tekkal also noted the contradictions in Xatar's life, acknowledging that he reflected on his mistakes openly. Many fans and colleagues have echoed similar sentiments, highlighting not only his musical legacy but also his personal growth and contributions to society.
Rapper Fler also mourned Xatar, expressing regret that they never met in person. In his tribute, he remarked, "A true German rap legend has passed away. I am very saddened that we never met in real life. For me, Xatar was one of the greatest in this country, embodying so much style, aesthetics, real hip-hop, and gangster attitude."
As the investigation into the cause of Xatar's death continues, the music community remains united in honoring his legacy. His contributions to rap, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his advocacy for marginalized communities will not be forgotten. Xatar's story is a testament to the complexities of life, where triumphs and tribulations intertwine to create a lasting impact.
In the wake of his passing, many fans are left reflecting on his music and the indelible mark he made on the German rap scene. As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Xatar's influence will resonate for years to come, inspiring future generations of artists to navigate their own paths in the world of music.
