Hakam Zarari, Iraq Fellow

Music was my heaven during the time of ISIS occupation to my city, Mosul.

I was playing music to escape from reality at that time. It was very dangerous to do so and I might have been killed if they caught me playing guitar, but I didn't care because it was the only thing that was left for me.

After the liberation of the city I started to play music in the streets for people to share the hope and peace that was stolen from us, and to help in rebuilding my city with my music!

I formed a band with my friends and we started to play music to people for free in the streets, festivals, schools, etc.

In 2018 we had the opportunity to visit Belgium and show the people there the real Face of Mosul and it's not like they imagine - only death and terrorists - and we also collected money that helped to rebuild the fine art institute in Mosul!
Our message is:

Music = Peace