Search for Muslim women music makers

A new campaign is preparing to address the lack of encouragement and support available to Muslim women music-makers and create a space for issues relating to the interpretation of their faith or culture to be openly discussed. Launched by Birmingham-based arts development organisation Ulfah Arts, the initiative aims to bring together Muslim women musicians, singers, music producers or performing DJs from around the world, to form a network to support each other, debate issues affecting them and find practical solutions to problems. The aim is to make these artists available as role models for emerging artists and thereby raise aspirations in Muslim communities when it comes to expressing creativity, identity and intercultural dialogue. By bringing the artists together under one banner, Ulfah Arts also hopes to push for space at mainstream festivals and events. Naz Koser, Founding Director of Ulfah Arts, will be speaking at The World Music Expo in Seville next month, on the theme ‘Muslim women music makers: what’s stopping their progress?’. The session will question whether Muslim women should make music; why venues should care about Islam and music; and whether music can bridge the culture gap. Artists wishing to be involved in the campaign are being invited to complete an online survey about their experiences.
w: http://www.ulfaharts.co.uk