Afrin-born artist Xelîl Xido, despite being visually impaired and forced to flee his homeland after the Turkish state's occupation, holds onto his art, driven by his youthful spirit and deep love for his country.
Throughout history, many singers and dengbêjs (storytellers) have expressed the experiences of their communities with the purest emotions, conveying the truth to society and becoming the voice of the people. Their art has always remained alive in humanity's collective memory. Xelîl Xido is one of these artists. Through his songs, he brings the realities of his time to life, striving to leave his mark on history.
Xelîl Xido is a displaced artist from Afrin (Efrîn). He has never abandoned his art despite being visually impaired. Fueled by his youthful spirit and deep love for his homeland, he continues to express himself through his music.
After 58 days of the ‘Resistance of the Age (Epochal Resistance of Afrin),’ the people of Afrin were forced to flee to Shehba. Despite relentless attacks by the Turkish state, they struggled to survive there, refusing to abandon their culture and history. Xelîl Xido lives every moment with the excitement and hope of returning to Afrin. He constantly reflects his love for his homeland in his art.
The attacks by the occupying Turkish state and its proxies on Shehba forced the people to flee once again to other parts of Northern and Eastern Syria. However, despite all these attacks, nothing could diminish Xelîl Xido’s love for his homeland. His determination for justice grew even stronger.
Even in the most challenging times, Xelîl Xido never abandoned his art and expressed his stance against the occupation through his poetry. He currently lives in a refugee camp in Raqqa, where many displaced people from Afrin have sought shelter. Despite the hardships of displacement and the difficult living conditions, he remains steadfast in his struggle. Xelîl Xido declared, 'Even if only a single drop of our blood remains, we will never abandon our resistance.'
Xelîl Xido dedicates his songs and melodies to the people who have been resisting at Tishrin Dam for 32 days, the fighters battling the occupiers on the frontlines, and the people of Northern and Eastern Syria who live with the spirit of revolution.
Finally, sending his heartfelt salute to the people of Afrin and all those displaced for a second time, Xelîl Xido continues to perform his songs and melodies with his brother, Welat.
