Music, Freedom, and Global Lessons to Confront National Challenges
Online @ New York Music Month
Wednesday, 11 June, 2025
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM ET
In 2025, the United States has seen an upswell in actions threatening artistic freedom. Amid escalating concerns, this timely discussion will incorporate the perspectives of four musicians from around the world who use music as a catalyst for social change: Siddique Ahmed, Afghan bassist and member of Kabul Dreams; DJ Switch, Nigerian performing artist, disc jockey, and activist; David D’Omni, Cuban multidisciplinary artist and musician; and Nadine El Roubi, Sudanese rapper. Moderated by ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault, the event will explore common challenges musicians face abroad, informing a candid conversation on domestic affronts to creative expression and their impacts.
This event is part of New York Music Month (NYMM) in collaboration with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). NYMM is an annual citywide celebration of music and MOME initiative, first created in 2017. Every June, MOME brings together diverse artists, organizations, and other stakeholders, providing free programming that highlights the role of NYC as a global music capital.
Speakers
Siddique Ahmed
Born and raised in Afghanistan, Siddique Ahmed (aka Sohrab) is also the founding member of Kabul Dreams, the country’s first Rock band. A lifelong musician, Sid is talented in a variety of instruments, including keyboard, bass guitar, violin, and most recently, the Rubab. This traditional Afghan instrument holds a special place in Sid’s heart, as it allows him to stay connected to his roots even while being away from home. Sid is also a skilled music producer, having collaborated with some of Afghanistan’s most prominent artists, like Ustad Mahwash as well as emerging artists. In addition to playing in the band and producing music, Sid’s music experience extends to film as well, having composed music for two short films and a feature film that is currently making the rounds on the festival circuit.
DJ Switch
Obianuju Catherine Udeh, also known as “DJ Switch,” is a Nigerian DJ, songwriter, and musician who is originally from Enugu State and grew up in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Port Harcourt with a B.Sc in Geology and worked at Halliburton as a log analyst for over a year before chasing her dreams in arts. She was the winner of the Star Quest musical reality show, releasing a hit single with her band The Pulse, titled “Pray Sote,” which featured American superstar Busta Rhymes on the remix. She is also the winner of the X-Factor West Africa, releasing a hit song titled “Safe Landing” under the Sony Music imprint and the winner of the Red-bull 3style championship, which is a global DJ competition. She founded her company SwitchNation Entertainment Limited in 2014. She was awarded the City People Music Award and Top Naija Music Award for best DJ in 2016 and named Culture Icon 2021. She is also an activist working to establish a nonprofit called RenovateNigeria, which will focus on providing a platform for socially and politically conscious creatives only.
David D’Omni
David D’Omni is a musician and painter. His artistic formation took place in the city of Alamar as part of the Interdisciplinary project Omni-Zonafranca. His music is a step between the genres of art rock, new age, experimental music, or world music, with a strong influence of urban genres such as Hip Hop, Reggae, and electronic music. He has given lectures and concerts in several US Universities, such as: Miami Dade College, University of South Florida, University of Florida, Florida International University, Princeton, Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Trinity, Xavier, Tulane, and John Hopkins: also in several countries such as: Spain, Poland, Croatia, Lithuania, Germany, Czech Republic, Guadeloupe, Chile, Panama, Peru, Mexico, France, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Denmark has been part of several international festivals such as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival (New Orleans), Rotilla Festival (Cuba), Trinity hip hop festival (Hartford), Festival HIP HOP SESSIONS (Guadeloupe), Cannes Film Festival (France) and Roskilde Music Festival (Denmark). Besides his artistic work, he has produced several festivals, workshops, readings, and exhibitions for other independent artists in Cuba, promoting social change through art. He was selected as an official delegate representing Cuba’s independent civil society at the 7th and 8th Summit of the Americas.
Nadine El Roubi
Nadine El Roubi is a Sudanese rapper. She made her mark on the music scene in 2020 with her explosive freestyle “#FEMALE”, a bold and provocative statement that showcased her prowess as an MC. Though she had introduced herself with the introspective singer-songwriter anthem “Throne” two years earlier, #FEMALE cemented her ability to command attention with sharp lyricism and fearless storytelling. Over the past four years, her steadily growing body of work has amassed millions of streams, drawing listeners into her unique blend of neo-soul and hip-hop. With co-signs from industry heavyweights like SZA, A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi White, and recognition from Rolling Stone, Nadine El Roubi is rapidly emerging as a breakthrough artist—one poised to leave a lasting impact on both the SWANA region and the global music scene.
Julie Trébault (Moderator)
Julie Trébault is the Founder and Executive Director of Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), a global organization dedicated to safeguarding artistic freedom and supporting artists and cultural workers under threat. Under her leadership, ARC provides critical resources and support to more than 2,000 artists facing persecution from state and non-state actors, empowering them to overcome challenges to their creative expression. Prior to founding ARC, she served as director of public programs at the Museum of the City of New York and the Center for Architecture.
