This music lacks cheap exoticism – it is a conscious, bold, and deeply moving artistic gesture. Kefaya, a British collective known for fusing synth-rock, jazz, and psychedelic sounds with traditional music from around the world, joins Elaha Soroor on stage – an Afghan vocalist, composer, and activist whose voice has become a symbol of rebellion against patriarchy and oppression. Together, they create one of the most significant projects in contemporary world music.
Their collaborative album, Songs of Our Mothers, acclaimed by critics and audiences, is a modern reinterpretation of Afghan women’s songs – songs that have been passed down through generations for centuries but often forbidden from public performance. Elaha and Kefaya give them new life, strength, and meaning. Their sound is a fusion full of emotion and contrast: classic Afghan melodies and poetic singing meet post-punk energy, electronica, and jazz expressiveness.
Elaha Soroor grew up in exile in Iran, raised in a traditional family, and after returning to Afghanistan, she dared to do what women couldn’t – sing publicly, perform in the media, and speak out for freedom. She was persecuted for her artistic and social work, but today she lives in the UK, where she continues to create, giving voice to those forced into silence.
Kefaya, a band composed of London-based musicians Al MacSween, Giuliano Modarelli, and Joost Hendrickx, has gained recognition for its rebellious, uncompromising aesthetic and social engagement. Their music blends jazz improvisation with electronica, Middle Eastern rhythms, and sometimes even club pulsations – creating a space for stories that too often go unheard.
On stage, Kefaya & Elaha Soroor form a mesmerizing collective that – as The Guardian wrote – is one of the most intriguing phenomena on the European music scene in recent years. Their concerts are more than just a performance – they are a sonic ritual, an act of courage, community, and remembrance. This is music that asks questions and isn’t afraid to answer.
Musicians:
Antonis Antoniou – electric tzouras / vocals / electronics
Manos Stratis – bass synth / organ
Will Scott – bass clarinet
Ulaş Öğüç – drums / triggers
