World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of refugees worldwide and to honor their courage and resilience. This day, established by the United Nations in 2000, serves as a reminder of the immense contributions refugees make to their host countries. Among these contributions is the profound impact on the arts, where many refugees have left an indelible mark.
This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed. According to the USA United Nations Refugee Agency, as of the end of September 2023, more than 114 million individuals have been forcibly displaced worldwide due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations, marking the highest displacement levels on record. By the end of 2022, 108.4 million people were displaced, including 35.3 million refugees, 62.5 million internally displaced people, 5.4 million asylum seekers, and 5.2 million needing international protection, mainly from Venezuela. The war between Russia and Ukraine and other conflicts contributed to the largest single-year increase in forced displacement in UNHCR’s history.
Here, we celebrate notable artists who were refugees and their remarkable journeys.
Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean, a Haitian-born musician, is best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group The Fugees. Jean’s family fled political unrest in Haiti, seeking asylum in the United States. His music often reflects his experiences and Haitian heritage, blending hip-hop with elements of reggae, rock, and soul. Jean has used his platform to advocate for Haitian refugees and has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in Haiti.
Freddie Mercury (1946–1991)
Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of the rock band Queen, was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar. His family fled the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964, relocating to England. Mercury’s extraordinary talent and charismatic stage presence made Queen one of the most iconic bands in rock history. Despite his untimely death in 1991, Mercury’s music continues to inspire and entertain millions worldwide.
K’naan
K’naan is a Somali-Canadian musician, poet, and rapper whose family fled the civil war in Somalia. His music, which blends hip-hop with traditional Somali melodies, often addresses themes of social justice and human rights. K’naan’s song “Wavin’ Flag” became an international anthem, particularly associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He remains a vocal advocate for refugees and displaced persons.
Kurt Weill (1900–1950)
Kurt Weill, a German composer, fled Nazi persecution in the 1930s, eventually settling in the United States. Weill is best known for his collaborations with playwright Bertolt Brecht, including “The Threepenny Opera,” which features the famous song “Mack the Knife.” His work significantly influenced the development of modern musical theater and opera.
Honorable mentions to these other activists and acts in the entertainment industry
Andy Garcia
Andy Garcia, a Cuban-American actor, and director, was born in Havana. His family fled to Miami after the Cuban Revolution. Garcia’s illustrious career includes standout roles in films such as “The Godfather Part III,” “The Untouchables,” and “Ocean’s Eleven.” He remains a proud advocate for Cuban culture and has spoken about his experiences as a refugee.
Iman
Iman, a Somali-born supermodel, and entrepreneur, fled political turmoil in Somalia and eventually found success in the United States. Iman became one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, breaking barriers for women of color in the industry. She has also been a prominent humanitarian, supporting various causes related to refugees and women’s rights.
Béla Bartók (1881–1945)
Béla Bartók, a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, fled Europe during World War II, seeking refuge in the United States. Bartók is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, known for integrating folk music into classical compositions. His work has had a lasting impact on both classical music and ethnomusicology.
Sitting Bull (1831–1890)
Sitting Bull, the renowned Hunkpapa Lakota leader, sought refuge in Canada after the Battle of Little Bighorn. Although not an artist in the traditional sense, Sitting Bull’s legacy as a leader, spiritual guide, and symbol of Native American resistance is profound. His life and actions have inspired countless works of art, literature, and film.
Felix Salten (1869–1945)
Felix Salten, an Austrian writer, and journalist, is best known for his novel “Bambi,” which inspired the beloved Disney animated film. Salten fled Nazi persecution in 1939, relocating to Switzerland. His works, particularly “Bambi,” continue to resonate with readers and audiences worldwide, emphasizing themes of nature and survival.
Judith Kerr (1923–2019)
Judith Kerr, a British writer, and illustrator, was born in Germany and fled the Nazi regime with her family in 1933. Kerr is best known for her children’s books, including “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” and the semi-autobiographical “When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit.” Her stories, often reflecting her own experiences as a refugee, have touched the hearts of generations.
Tom Stoppard
Tom Stoppard, a Czech-born British playwright and screenwriter, fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia as a child, eventually settling in England. Stoppard’s acclaimed works include “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” “The Real Thing,” and “Arcadia.” His plays are celebrated for their wit, depth, and exploration of philosophical themes.
