Executives

Shahed is the founder and CEO of the InterContinental Music Awards. Based in Los Angeles, he is a multi-award-winning artist, multimedia producer, innovator, entrepreneur, and GRAMMY® Member. In 2026, he was named one of Zoom’s Top Solopreneurs in the United States, recognizing his entrepreneurial achievements and innovation.

A music industry mentor, Shahed was born in Tehran, Iran. He discovered music at eight years old when he started playing the Santoor (Iranian Traditional Instrument). His fondness and talents for music composition, audio recording and creativity led him by the time he turned 18 years of age to record five patents and several prizes of invention and innovation-related festivals.

Shahed pursued his higher education in four different fields, including Information Technology as his academic major, Music Composition, Sound Engineering and Video Production. In 2009, he graduated from Southern Cross University of Australia with a B.S. in Computer Engineering. In 2010, he moved to Mediterranean to continue his education at Eastern Mediterranean University, completing two master degrees in Information Systems and Visual Arts. He also had successful activities in Media, Music and Sound Engineering with famous orchestras like Hoora Guitar Orchestra and Violet Symphonic Orchestra in Iran.

Living in multicultural environments and collaborating with talented artists from different cultures inspired Shahed in 2011 to establish the InterContinental Concert Series (ICC), which evolved into the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA)that he executive produces today. ICMA is dedicated to honoring and promoting artists from around the world in myriad ways, while also embracing values that uplift humanity.

Music Connection Magazine featured Shahed as a multi-talented DIY artist in January 2017 and placed him among the Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists in 2016. Shahed has been granted Permanent Resident status through EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability in the field of Art) by the United States Government. 

Merry M Pour is a member of the leadership and administrative team of the InterContinental Music Awards and the host of the organization’s Star🌟Spot live interview series, which highlights the stories, creative journeys, and experiences of acclaimed musicians from around the world.

Her work as the host of Star🌟Spot has been recognized with a Communicator Award for excellence in digital media and entertainment. She was also part of the ICMA team honored with a Telly Award for the creative use of livestreaming, serving as the host of the ceremony’s acceptance speeches and artist interviews.

Among the many distinguished guests Merry has interviewed Dan Kimpel, bestselling music author, journalist, and one of the American music industry’s most respected media figures; Kitt Wakeley, GRAMMY® Award-winning composer and producer; Sangeeta Kaur, GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist; Darlene Koldenhoven, three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist, arranger, and composer; Juliet Lyons, Billboard-charting recording artist, GRAMMY® voting member, and award-winning composer for film and television; Robin Spielberg, internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and Steinway Artist; Shalev Alon, mixing engineer best known for his work on Marvel and Star Wars live productions; and many other accomplished musicians and industry professionals.

Born and raised in the Middle East, Merry grew up in a culturally rich environment that inspired her lifelong passion for music, film, and the performing arts. Her interest in the entertainment industry began at an early age through following artists, industry news, and interviews, eventually leading her to become actively involved in music media and artist relations.

In addition to her passion for the arts, Merry has a strong background in English literature and American culture, providing her with a broad understanding of communication, cultural awareness, and interpersonal relationships. Her enthusiasm for connecting with artists, combined with her ability to create engaging conversations, has made Star🌟Spot series where musicians can share not only their achievements but also the personal stories behind their creative journeys.