Hamid sakhizada biography of william

The simple idea that we should have the right to express ourselves creatively is an easy one to take for granted.

But, as is made painfully clear in the reports from Freemuse (an organisation that documents violations on artistic freedom), so many artists are denied this right and are forced to either quit music or risk their lives. This was the harsh reality for Afghan dambura (long-necked lute) player Hamid Sakhizada, who was forced to flee his country following threats to his life.

His crime?

Hamid sakhizada biography of william

He wanted to show the world the beauty of traditional Hazara music.

Hazaras are the third largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, but they are persecuted and ridiculed as a minority so much that many are renouncing their own culture.

Sakhizada is Hazara, but it wasn’t until he moved to Pakistan to study classical music that he actually came into contact with Hazara folk music. “There were Hazara