Huda Asfour, a Palestinian musician, recently performed at Storm Books and Candy, a Brooklyn bookstore showcasing Swana region works. Her haunting melodies and protest songs captivated the audience, connecting with the urgency of the situation in Gaza. Asfour, torn between staying in the US or returning to Egypt to help, ultimately decided to use her music as a form of activism. She has performed at various events raising funds for Gaza and calling for peace.
Growing up in Tunisia exposed Asfour to diverse Arabic music influences, which she incorporates into her compositions. Moving to the US for engineering studies, Asfour continued her music career and is now participating in events where there is increased interest in Palestinian culture. She believes that solidarity is crucial but hopes for more focus on collective solutions to prevent similar tragedies worldwide.
Asfour is working on albums documenting her experiences and has found hope in a new non-profit project for youth mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of coming together in community through music to provide respite during challenging times. After a performance, two Palestinian women thanked her for her music, highlighting the importance of unity and togetherness in difficult times.
Through her music, Asfour strives to bring people together, raise awareness, and create spaces for cathartic expression. Her dedication to activism through music showcases the power of art in social change and collective healing.
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