Hameed, 23 years old: “As far back as I can remember, I  wanted to become a good singer. My father was a musician and a singer and he remains my constant source of inspiration. I was barely four years old when my father started to give me piano lessons. I was so passionate about music that I gradually learned to play other musical instruments, including drums.

Unfortunately, in Afghanistan, there wasn’t much freedom to become an artist. Back home then, I watched Hindi movies and sung Bollywood songs in broken Hindi. I never imagined  that one day I would live in India. When I came to India with my family in 2008, we didn’t know how to start out in this foreign land. However, irrespective of the challenges, I never stopped following my passion for music. It gave me hope in life and helped me sail through hard times.

I formed a music band and we sing a mix of Hindi and Afghan songs. It feels good to be appreciated in India. Through our music, we want to tell the world that Afghanistan is not only about war, it’s also a land of rich culture, love, and soulful music. I also want our music to give strength and hope to my refugee brothers and sisters, who have been forced out of their homes and country.”

Hameed is passionate about singing: "I always dreamed of becoming a good singer."

Hameed practices playing the piano since the age of 4.

Hameed and his brothers: Adeeb, 16 (left), and Habib, 22 (middle).

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Hameed, his parents, and three brothers fled to India in 2008 as violence continued unabated in Afghanistan. According to Hameed, music runs in his family’s blood. Like him, his brothers are also musicians. In 2009, Hameed impressed the jury at a talent competition​ with his melodious voice. Following his selection, there was no looking back for Hameed. He formed the music band “Yuva Beats” along with his friends who are also Afghan refugees and now they perform at various events.