Middle East Beats: Ajam

Ajam may be a UK-based band but its members are passionate about the music of their homeland, Iran.

They want to expose international audiences to the unique regional and folk sounds of Iran but also to present this music to young people in Iran with a modern twist.

They draw on contemporary Western music, especially hip hop.

"It's so rewarding to see kids (from Iran) just giving you a wave or a nod and (tell you) 'I really like your music, I like the way you've brought it into the new era'," says lead singer Amin Ajami.

More from the Middle East Beats series.