Kurdish Singer Honored in Herne for Iconic Song

In a special cultural ceremony held in Herne, Germany, the prominent Kurdish artist Bilind Ibrahim was presented with the Jamil Horo and Bavê Salah Honorary Award in recognition of his national and artistic contributions, particularly his song “Afrina Min” (My Afrin).

The event took place in the presence of a notable gathering of the Kurdish diaspora, cultural figures, and the families of the late artists in Germany.
The award is presented biennially to a selected Kurdish artist who has rendered significant service to Kurdish culture and art. This year, it was awarded to Bilind Ibrahim in appreciation of his 2019 song “Afrina Min,” which resonated widely across Kurdistan.

Upon receiving the award, Bilind Ibrahim expressed profound joy and pride, noting that he considers this recognition the most valuable and significant milestone of his artistic career because it comes directly from his people and dedicated patrons of the Kurdish language and culture—despite having previously received international awards and production honors.

During another segment of the ceremony, the daughter of the late artist Bavê Salah expressed her happiness and gratitude to the organizers for honoring her father’s memory.

She extended her warm congratulations to Bilind Ibrahim, sharing that her father had always been a great admirer of his voice and artistry during his lifetime.

Jamil Horo and Bavê Salah are two of the most prominent and authentic voices in Kurdish music and the Afrin region, leaving an indelible mark on Kurdish folklore and song history.
This biennial award serves as a tradition of loyalty to the memory and legacy of the two legendary singers, acting as a powerful bridge to unite the Kurdish diaspora in Europe and preserve national identity and heritage through art and music.

Bilind Ibrahim’s song “Afrina Min” was released in 2019 during the invasion of Afrin, becoming a poignant anthem honoring the city’s resistance and historical stature.