6th August. 7:30pm - 9pm. Duncairn Arts Centre
A concert with musicians from Afghanistan, Iran, Ireland and Syria. Spanning from deep historical linguistic roots to vibrant modern cultural collaborations, shared threads binding together the ancient languages and musical traditions from Ireland to Western and Southern Asia.
Musicians: Sara Fotros, Nasim Heidari, Joanne Malone, Cormac Ó Briain, Omid Asghar, Conor Pelan, Swar Ahmed and special guest Soraya Hossaini supported by Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI)
Born in Tehran, Soraya Hossaini is a remarkable Afghan singer, musician, and fashion designer whose work transcends boundaries of art, culture, and advocacy. As an Afghan refugee and female artist navigating systemic discrimination in both Iran and Afghanistan, Soraya’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and creative brilliance.
In 2017, she made her first return to Afghanistan as a member of Arikayn, the pioneering Hazara rock band formed by the Afghan refugees in Iran. The band’s groundbreaking performances in Kabul and Bamiyan were immortalized in the acclaimed documentary The Forbidden Strings.
Undeterred, Soraya has pivoted her creativity into fashion, founding Surryhouse, a brand celebrating Afghan craftsmanship and textiles. Through this initiative, she amplifies her cultural heritage, empowering others while expanding her artistic research.
As Soraya navigates the increasing challenges for Afghan women under the Taliban and Afghan refugees in Iran, her unwavering commitment to art and advocacy remains inspiring. her story continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.
Three Months after Kabul fell to the Taliban and music was banned; Belfast was awarded UNESCO City of Music status. Women musicians in Iran have also restriction's forced on them by the regime. Soraya, Sara and Nasim presence at the festival is a voice for women silenced in Afghanistan and Iran.
Led by immigration and human rights attorneys, Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) provides pro bono immigration representation and resettlement assistance for international artists at risk. Dedicated to safeguarding the right to artistic freedom, AFI was founded on the notion that artists are uniquely situated to positively and powerfully effect change, provided their voices can be heard.
As artists are increasingly censored, imprisoned, restricted from moving freely across borders, tortured, or even killed, it is more critical than ever that we safeguard the right to artistic freedom and zealously champion the courageous artists who exercise it.
