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Meet the Artists of Songs of Existence

On stage at the concert performance Songs of Existence, these unique artists come together – rooted in different cultures, yet driven by a shared force: the need to express themselves through music and poetry, often at great personal risk. For them, art is about existence, survival, and human dignity.
Amira AlSharif (Yemen) is an award-winning photographer and artist from Yemen, based in Paris. Her art documents both the beauty and suffering of her homeland, Yemen. ICORN resident in Paris from 2019 to 2021.
Artur Dron (Ukraine) represents the young generation of Ukrainian poets who have gained international recognition. Shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he enlisted in the 125th Territorial Brigade.
Abu Joury (Gaza) Ayman Mghamis, known as Abu Joury, is a member of PR, Palestinian Rapperz, the first rap group in the Gaza Strip, and has performed at various international concerts and festivals, representing Palestine.
Mohammed Elsusi (Gaza) is a rapper, music and video producer from Gaza. Through his music, Elsusi has fought for artistic freedom in Gaza. Today, he continues to fight for the survival and dignity of his people. ICORN resident in Stavanger from 2024 to 2026.
Fatemeh Ekhtesari (Iran) is a poet, human rights activist, and midwife who seamlessly combines literary skill with a steadfast commitment to social justice. ICORN resident in Lillehammer from 2017 to 2019.
Ghawgha (Afghanistan) is a musician, songwriter, and singer. She is known for her songs about peace from her homeland, where singing is prohibited and women’s voices are not meant to be heard in public. ICORN resident in Harstad from 2022 to 2024.
Haile Bizen (Eritrea) is a poet, editor, translator, and journalist. After the release of his book Behind the Doors in 2009, he was forced to flee his home country. ICORN resident in Kristiansand from 2011 to 2013.
Khalid Albaih (Sudan) is an award-winning political cartoonist, artist, journalist, curator, and human rights activist. ICORN resident in Copenhagen from 2017 to 2019.
Mansur Rajih (Yemen) is a poet and human rights advocate. He has published several collections of poetry. His most recent poetry collection, Der trærne sto, was published in 2021. ICORN resident in Stavanger from 1996 to 1998.
Marja Mortensson (Norway/Sápmi) is a South Sámi singer, joiker, composer, and reindeer herder. Drawing inspiration from reindeer herding and the nearly lost South Sámi joik tradition, she creates music that places the voice at its center and highlights Sámi identity.
Ramy Essam (Egypt) is a rock artist and human rights activist from Egypt. Known as the voice of the Egyptian revolution during the Arab Spring in 2011, he became a symbol of the struggle for freedom, with his music spreading across the Middle East before being banned in his home country. ICORN resident in Malmø from 2014 to 2016.
Selma M. Yonus (Iraq) is a poet, writer, and journalist. Her poetry addresses themes such as war and exile. ICORN resident in Stavanger from 2009 to 2011.

Fatemeh Ekhtesari (Iran) is a poet, human rights activist, and midwife who seamlessly combines literary skill with a steadfast commitment to social justice. ICORN resident in Lillehammer from 2017 to 2019.
Artur Dron (Ukraine) represents the young generation of Ukrainian poets who have gained international recognition. Shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he enlisted in the 125th Territorial Brigade.
Aaiún Nin (Angola) is a poet, activist, and multimedia artist whose work explores identity, race, and sexuality in the context of migration and postcolonialism. ICORN resident in Bern from 2023 to 2025.