ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region’s northern Duhok province marked World Music Day on Monday with a celebration that was held under the auspices of France’s Consulate General and featured a blend of Kurdish and French music, with acclaimed Kurdish singer Shivan Perwer and renowned musician Dalshad Mohammed Said making notable appearances.
The French Institute in Erbil, an affiliate of the French consulate, organized the concert in Duhok on Monday to celebrate the annual World Music Day - Fête de la Musique.
Yann Braem, the French Consul General in Erbil, told Rudaw, “We have been organizing free concerts in 120 countries every year to celebrate this event,” noting that Duhok’s significance in the Kurdistan Region made it “essential for us to be here with these musicians - remarkable Kurdish artists who performed.”
This year’s event in Duhok is the third of its kind in the province. It featured notable participation from renowned Kurdish folk singer Shivan Perwer and acclaimed musician Dalshad Mohammed Said.
Perwer is widely known for his iconic song “Kine Em” - “Who Are We” in Kurdish - which is regarded as an anthem reflecting Kurdish history, identity, and resilience.
He told Rudaw that “the event was something special,” noting that around 300 to 400 people attended. He added that while he would welcome the opportunity to organize a larger concert for Duhok’s population of around 1.6 million, “I would be honored to serve the people of Duhok if I am given the opportunity to do so.”
The musicians performed songs in both Badini and Sorani Kurdish dialects, creating a distinctive atmosphere for the audience.
“I personally enjoyed it very much because it was a blend of Kurdish and French,” said attendee Viyan Abbas, adding that she is “currently learning French, and hearing the music in that context was a unique experience for me.”
She also praised the Kurdish performances, saying, “The Kurdish songs were also beautiful, both Badini and Sorani.”
Initiated by France’s culture ministry in 1982, World Music Day aims to make music accessible to the public in countries where France maintains a diplomatic presence. In addition to Duhok, events have also been held in Erbil and Sulaimani on previous days.
