Afghan woman making a new life in Northern Ireland

This year looks brighter for Zarifa.

Earlier this year, she was reunited with her parents, who finally managed to escape Afghanistan for Northern Ireland.

Seeing her parents for the first time in more than two years was “really emotional”,” she added.

Zarifa has also embraced her love of music since moving to Northern Ireland.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban introduced strict rules banning music from being played at social gatherings.

Zarifa has taken advantage of her freedom to express herself creatively and earlier this year wrote a song titled Afghan Girl.

The song, which was performed by friend Eva Kearney at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, captured the attention of music legend Peter Gabriel.

The former Genesis frontman invited Zarifa and Eva to Real World studios to record an EP.

“Art is really important for the world,” Zarifa said.

“I hope I can touch people’s hearts with my music.”