By International Women’s Day provides a great opportunity to celebrate women for being the fearless, badass, creative, outspoken, and talented people we are. Unfortunately a lot of the conversation is focused on white women’s contributions to the artistic landscape, and well, they aren’t the only women in the world. Luckily for those of us seeking a more intersectional education, Muslim girls of all sorts of ethnic backgrounds are making some of the most groundbreaking music out there.
Give your record collection a refresh with these five awesome women:
SZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0YA_F6n5_4&w=560&h=315
SZA’s career has been a whirlwind. She started out by self-releasing an EP in 2012 and now boasts collaborations with everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Rihanna. Her wide range of influences including Björk permeate her style of avant-garde R&B.
Azar Swan
The best way to describe Azar Swan’s seductive sound is as gothic electro pop. Though unique, the beauty of lead singer Zohra Atash’s voice is able to resonate with many listeners and serves as a real testament to Afghan creativity.
Yuna
Arguably the most well-known hijabi musician, Yuna’s catchy pop has earned her recognition well beyond her home country of Malaysia. She’s charted in the states, collaborated with Pharrell, and even scored a role in one of H&M’s international commercials.
Omnia Hegazy
Egyptian-American singer-songwriter Omnia Hegazy synergises her cultural backgrounds in a marriage of Americana and Egyptian folk. She challenges traditional and regressive thoughts in Arab communities with celebrations of women.
Poetic Pilgrimage
Poetic Pilgrimage are probably the bravest and most outspoken rappers out there. Unabashedly and unashamedly Muslim, this Black British duo rap with a message of peace. They unapologetically protest global superpowers destroying the lives of Muslim people.
i love this list