Sandra Alesandra: breaking Kurdish social taboos through music

Sandra Alesandra, 26, is a Sulaimani-born, Switzerland-raised Kurdish singer.

Having released just two music videos, she is becoming recognised for her daring sense of style.

The first video, Chacho, was released in February; her latest video, ‘I am Fire,’ which has sparked controversy on social media for her choice of dress, was released on August 11.

Alesandra says she has decided to challenge the expectations placed upon women artists and wider social taboos through her music.

 

Below is the interview she conducted with Rudaw's Art Desk through Messenger on August 25.

Rudaw: Who is Sandra?

Sandra Alesandra: My name is Sandra Alesandra. I am 26 years old and was born in Sulaimani. I was very young when I migrated to Switzerland with my family. I studied business and trade. I work at a car exhibition company. In addition to my work, I sing, and have released two well-received singles.

Who supports your artwork?

  My family definitely support me, especially my brother and father. My father covers the cost of making my music videos 

My family definitely support me, especially my brother and father. My father covers the cost of making my music videos. My teacher has also been a perfect guide to me. Entering the world of art was my childhood dream and hobby. I have always wanted to find myself in this world and I’ve happily managed to meet that end. 

How did you choose to become a singer and musician?

I am a good dancer and have a good ear for music. I am talented enough to both perform songs and dance. I think singing is not just about verbal expression – a singer must also have the ability to express themselves artistically, with the body.

You have two video clips. In the second one you bravely present yourself. Do you think this video clip will be welcomed by Kurdish society?

  I do not want to perform work already done by others and be repetitive. If I do, then my work will be deemed meaningless  

My new video clip breaks taboo in Kurdish art. I have decided to touch upon social taboos. I do not want to perform work already done by others and be repetitive. If I do, then my work will be deemed meaningless. So I wanted to do something that would reverberate through society. I have done this work as a Kurdish girl, but the work itself is in English. Maybe there are some people in Kurdish society who disagree with it, but this is my path and I do not regret taking it. I will continue to do what I do. 

Why are there foreign dancers performing in the clip? Do we not have good Kurdish dancers?

I would have been pleased to have Kurdish women dancing in the clip. But, we all know that [Kurdish women] dancing is not well received in our society. It is even prevented. Three girls who wanted to dance at the Qaysari bazaar in Erbil were preventing from doing so. I plan to involve Kurdish girls in my future clips. 

Do you listen to Kurdish songs?

I listen to the majority of Kurdish singers, especially the newcomers, who are amazing performers.  I find them all exciting. I also listen to Spanish, English and French songs. 

The majority of female Kurdish singers address a woman’s height, or her beauty. Is this the case for you?

  In singing, you have to address the other gender, not just your own. And it should not be considered a shame to do so  

I always address men in my songs, unlike some female singers who address women. I want to express my feelings towards the other gender, so that they really hear the song and can enjoy it. In singing, you have to address the other gender, not just your own. And it should not be considered a shame to do so. 

Do you plan to sing national songs, or songs for the defense of women's rights?

I am ready to do so, proudly and gladly. But I want it to be a professional work, in terms of lyrics and melody. Concerning women, I have tried to leave a woman’s mark on both my video clips.

Interview by Hiwa Salah
Translated by Zhelwan Z. Wali