Elaha Soroor

London-based Elaha Soroor is a singer, songwriter and composer. Born to a Hazara family from Afghanistan in Iran, her journey began as a singer in a religious female music group in Iran. This foundation led her delved into Afghanistan’s traditional music and became a part of the Afghanistan National Orchestra from 2006 to 2008. Notably, she's among the pioneering female performers to grace the Afghan stage after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Elaha Soroor's resilience and advocacy for women's rights took the spotlight when she rose to fame through Afghan Star in 2008. In a society where such boldness placed her in personal danger and led to flee, Afghanistan.Her compositions have enriched productions like Nottingham Playhouse's "The Beekeeper of Aleppo" and Wales Millennium Center's "The Boy With Two Hearts." Her 2019 collaborative album, "Songs Of Our Mothers," with the acclaimed band Kefaya, speaks volumes about her commitment to tradition and emancipation. The album harmoniously merges Afghan folk songs passed down through generations with contemporary sounds, offering a bold stand against patriarchy. Her impact was acknowledged with the Songlines magazine "Newcomer Award 2020," and "Songs Of Our Mothers" garnered the title of "Best Album" in the Fusion category, captivating listeners worldwide with its poignant narrative. Elaha Soroor continues to illuminate the path where heritage meets empowerment, transcending boundaries with her resounding voice.