Mohammad Syfkhan’s story is a story of resistance, resilience, and survival, and the healing power of music. The Kurdish/Syrian singer and bouzouki player began playing music in 1980 while he was in college studying nursing. When he got his degree in 1983, Mohammad moved to the city of Raqqa, Syria, where he started to work as a professional singer with his own group, The Al-Rabie Band. Al-Rabie played concerts, parties, weddings, and festivals all over Syria and was a much sought-after outfit. Their live sets included Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, and some Western songs as well as Mohammad’s own original material.

Mohammad continued to play with his band while also working as a surgical nurse until the war broke out in 2011. 

This brought tragedy to Mohammad’s family when one of his sons was killed by IS, thus threatening the lives of the rest of his family. His family had no choice but to leave their home and seek safety in Europe. Three of Mohammad’s sons were resettled in Germany, while Mohammad, his young daughter, and his wife were taken in by Ireland. Mohammad has spoken at length of his confusion and despair with fundamentalists and how their message is a far cry from the teachings of love and understanding that he considers the true message of Islam.

Since arriving in Ireland, Mohammad has used the language of music to integrate into the local community by playing at private parties and concerts.

Mohammad’s debut album, appropriately enough named "I am Kurdish" was released by Ireland's Nyahh Records to much international acclaim, and the artist’s shows, backing himself on drum computers, have become a big hit, namely on the UK festival circuit. His upcoming release, "I Love You Ireland," will follow in the summer of 2026, with the artist taking his own brand of ecstatic music all over Europe to create an atmosphere of joy, love, and happiness.