EBÎR MUHAMED

Qamishlo- Since the revolution took place in Rojava, the women of North and East Syria have taken part in all spheres of life. They also have significant achievements in culture and art. Young musician Rehef Zilfo, member of the Hîlala Zêrîn Cultural Movement, is one of these women. NuJINHA spoke to her about her dreams and aims.

‘My mother always supports me’

Speaking about her musical journey and her mother’s support, Rehef Zilfo said, “I did not know anything about music when I was a child. My mother supported me to discover my talent. My family always supports me and gives me the opportunity to discover myself. With the support of my family, I worked with a musical group in the city of Amude for eight years. Then, I became a member of the Hîlala Zêrîn Cultural Movement to learn more about music.”

‘I have an interest in traditional songs’

Stating that she mostly focuses on traditional and folk songs, Rehef Zilfo added, “I love old songs and singers, however, my voice is not good enough to sing in a high-pitched voice. There is a strong bond across cultures and voices all over the world. We try to combine cultures in our folk songs. Perseverance and determination pave the way for overcoming all difficulties. When you want to do something, someone will support you while someone will oppose you. Still, the patriarchal mentality prevents women from being active in society. For this reason, women having different skills and hobbies have to be strong in their society to succeed.”

‘'For the revolution and the cause of women…’

Pointing to their activities for the revolution and the cause of women in four parts of Kurdistan, she said, “Women artists have deep and touching feelings. When something happens, they immediately express it in words and compose a song. Every song sung by women has a message and purpose. As women artists and musicians, we have produced many artworks for the revolution and the cause of women. Many songs have been composed for the martyrs and heroes of our revolution in Rojava Kurdistan. Many video songs have been released for the guerrillas fighting in the mountains.”

‘We released a video song named Jina Amini’

Rehef Zilfo thinks the revolution in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan is very meaningful. “We do our best to support the revolution in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan. This revolution is very meaningful for us, as Kurdish women. As young women, we wanted to support the revolution in Iran and Rojhilat with our art. So we released a video song named Jina Amini. We raise our voices with the voices of the women of Iran and Eastern Kurdistan and say that the freedom of the women in Iran and Rojhilat is the freedom of all women.”

‘My dream is to start an all-women orchestra’

Speaking about her dreams and future plans, Rehef Zilfo said, “I will always maintain my musical journey. My dream is to start an all-women orchestra. All women should be determined to follow their dreams despite the obstacles.”