Arif Imran oghlu Babayev was born in the village of Sarihajli near the city of Aghdam on February 20^th, 1938. He entered Azerbaijan State Fine Arts Institute in 1962 and graduated in 1968. He was invited to perform leading roles for the M. F. Akhundov Opera and Ballet Theater beginning in 1966. In 1978 he was awarded the title of Honored Artist; in 1988—People’s Artist, in 1988—the Hall of Fame, and on February 19^th, 2008, he became a holder of the order of “Independence.” A large album and discs about him were compiled for his 70^th birthday. He has given concert tours in over 60 countries.

He earned the academic rank of associate professor in 1992 and professor in 1996. He has been given the Presidential stipend since 2002. He has been a university department head at Azerbaijani National Conservatorium since 2000. He has taught mugham courses at Khazar University with Honored Artist Mirnazim Asadullayev and Ramin Rzayev since the beginning of 2001.

In 2010, he won the International “Golden Tree” award. He is married with 3 children and 6 grandchildren.