This year we worked with the team at Jubilee Library Brighton, for Refugee Week, to hold 2 events, funded by a National Lottery Community Fund grant. The grant also included a rehearsal session for Fol'klor Musiqaa, a new Syrian ~ Ukrainian fusion group.
Saturday 8th June, Fol'klor Musiqaa Rehearsal Session
Fol'klor Musiqaa formed in 2023 when Ukrainian and Syrian duo’s Dina and Polina and Jamal and Alaa met after being booked to play the same gigs together in Sussex.
They first worked together on a project with Music Action International, making music with young people from refugee backgrounds.
Collaborating on shared songs, they took an interest in each other's music and decided to create something that reflected their diverse musical histories and interests.
The group draws upon the rich cultural heritages of the musicians involved, fusing Arabic and Ukrainian rhythms and melodies. They play popular folk songs as well as their own compositions.
Click on images to see full size
Thursday 20th June, Poetry, Refugee Stories & Music
A packed Community Space at the Library, with Sudanese poetry and music from Bashir Al Gamar, plus readings and stories of journeys of people seeking sanctuary in Sussex. This event is in collaboration with Sussex Interpreting Services and the Library, with guest readings from Umit at Euromernet
Saturday 22nd June, Music & Poetry
The Saturday event featured a packed programme of musicians from around the world. Thanks Garth Cartwright for this review as part of his 'A Week in Live Music' article (scroll down to the end)
Video and music clips to follow.
Photographs by Manal Gharezeddin
Manal recently completed a BA Honours Degree in photography at Brighton University. She is originally from Syria, her work explores Syrian food, the stories of people who are refugees and food as a way to share, celebrate culture and talk about people's stories and history. She has also written a book of Syrian food recipes, which she sold to raise funds for people affected by the war in Syria.
Best Foot Music pics
Artist Websites
Vladyslava Bondar, is a founder member of Kupala Brighton
Sunday 23nd June, Hastings Sanctuary Festival
Organised by Hastings Supports Refugees & Hastings Community of Sanctuary, this fantastic community festival is held in the grounds of the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. They've booked bands of us for the last few years now, it's a great inclusive event, and lovely day out.
