Refugee music spotlight

We're spotlighting newcomer artists who bring fresh perspectives, global influences, and raw talent to the music scene. Whether their lyrics echo your own story or introduce you to a new one, their sounds have the power to connect across borders and backgrounds.

Ukraine

Alina Pash – "Karpatska"

Alina Pash launched her career while participating in the Ukrainian edition of The X Factor. Her music modernizes folk sounds to express cultural pride and resilience in the face of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.

Cuba

Willy Chirino – “Nuestro Día Ya Viene Llegando”

Born in Cuba, Grammy Award-winning musician Willy Chirino came to the United States in 1960 through Operation Peter Pan. His song “Nuestro Día Ya Viene Llegando” is an anthem for a brighter future in Cuba.

Haiti

Wesli – "Kouraj"

Wesley Louissaint, who goes by the stage name Wesli, grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, until the 1991 military coup. Now living in Canada, he channels his Haitian roots through his music. The song “Kouraj” is a rallying cry that inspires courage and perseverance.

Afghanistan

Farhad Darya – “Salaam Afghanistan”

Fahrad Darya is an acclaimed Afghan singer who lived a decade in exile as a refugee. His music unites the Afghan population, as exemplified by his song “Salaam Afghanistan,” which conveys a message of peace for his homeland.

Aryana Sayeed – "Anaram Anaram"

Through her music, Aryana Sayeed has reimagined many traditional songs to promote freedom and equality, such as “Anaram Anaram.” She is one of Afghanistan’s most influential female artists and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights.

Sri Lanka

M.I.A. – “Borders”

Mathangi Arulpragasam, known professionally as M.I.A., is a Sri Lankan singer, rapper, and activist who fuses her music with powerful social and political messaging. Her song “Borders” looks at global attitudes toward migration.

Syria

Mohammad Syfkhan – "I am Kurdish"

Mohammad Syfkhan is a Syrian-Kurdish refugee who keeps his Kurdish musical heritage alive through songs like “I Am Kurdish,” which celebrates identity and resilience.

Somalia

K’naan – “Wavin’ Flag”

K’naan, who fled Somalia’s civil war as a child, rose to fame with “Wavin’ Flag,” which was chosen as Coca-Cola’s promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He is a Grammy Award-winning artist who is outspoken about his Somali roots.

Lebanon

Mika – "Apocalypse Calypso"

Known as Mika, Michael Holbrook Penniam Jr. is a singer-songwriter who was forced to flee Lebanon as a child during its civil war. An accomplished performer, Mika is dedicated to numerous philanthropic endeavors worldwide.

Add these songs to your 2025 summer playlist, and share your favorite songs by refugee artists with us on social media by using the hashtag #BeAWelcomer.