Islamabad, Pakistan – On a delightful February afternoon in Islamabad, the sounds of strumming guitars resonate from a modest bedroom located in a two-story home that accommodates families from neighboring Afghanistan. The warm sunlight streaming through the window dances upon an array of musical instruments belonging to four resilient young guitarists.
The group consists of Afghan refugees, 18-year-old Yasemin—known by her affectionate nickname “Jellybean,” 16-year-old Zakia, 14-year-old Shukriya, and 7-year-old Uzra—who found refuge in Pakistan following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021. Yasemin and Uzra are sisters, as are Zakia and Shukriya, and together, they spend their days practicing and jamming from Saturday through Thursday, regularly cherishing their shared love for music.
As they tune their guitars, giggles fill the air, marking their camaraderie amidst the pressures of their situation. Dressed in a gray sweatshirt, Yasemin proudly assumes the role of the lead guitarist, expressing her admiration for legendary musicians BB King and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, dreaming of creating music alongside them.
These girls learned to play guitar at Miraculous Love Kids, a music school in Kabul founded in 2016 by California rock musician Lanny Cordola. The school empowered female students in a cultural landscape that often limits their freedoms. Following the Taliban’s resurgence, Cordola activated a coordinated effort to safely relocate his students and their families to prevent them from being subjected to oppressive restrictions on their artistic expression.
In April 2022, after extensive lobbying for donor support and recruiting aid, seven students, including these four girls, successfully fled to Islamabad. Concurrently, Cordola relentlessly pursued opportunities for their eventual resettlement in the United States, as the U.S. announced initiatives to welcome Afghan allies and refugees.
Recently, however, the pressure intensified as the Pakistani government announced a plan to deport Afghan nationals, including those with proper documentation, raising immediate concerns for these aspiring musicians. The girls had hoped to relocate to the U.S. but faced new obstacles following policy changes in Washington, D.C., that have put their dreams on hold.
Despite these challenges, Cordola continues to support their music education. The girls find solace in their musical endeavors, and their talent has even garnered the attention of award-winning Australian artist Sia. After hearing a rendition of her empowering anthem “Unstoppable,” Sia sent a heartfelt video message expressing her admiration and solidarity with the girls, affirming the transformative power of music in their lives.
As the girls navigate their new realities in Islamabad, they cherish their time spent at parks, enjoying leisure amidst the trials they face. Music connects them not only to each other but also fosters a sense of hope for a brighter future.
The families of these young musicians remain grateful to the hospitality of Pakistan during a time of uncertainty, with aspirations of resettlement lingering in the balance. Their shared dream is to harness their musical talent for a greater purpose, contributing positively to the communities that welcome them.
Until their futures are secured, Yasemin, Zakia, Shukriya, and Uzra continue to inspire those around them with their courage, creativity, and unwavering hope that they can transcend current adversities through the universal language of music.
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