An Acceptance Speech That Resonated Beyond the Ceremony: Aryana Sayeed Receives InterContinental Music Award and Dedicates It to Afghan Women and Girls

At this year’s InterContinental Music Awards, one of the ceremony’s most resonant moments came not from performance, but from words.

Internationally acclaimed Afghan singer and activist Aryana Sayeed received the Best of Middle East Middle Eastern Pop award. The recognition marked a significant milestone in a career shaped by both advocacy and music.

Aryana was unable to attend the online ceremony. Her manager and fiancé, Hasib Sayed, delivered her acceptance speech on her behalf. What followed was a message that extended well beyond the ceremony itself.

“Thank you so much. I’m truly honored to receive this award at the InterContinental Music Awards. Music has always been my way of sharing love, joy, and connection with the world, and to be recognized on an international platform means so much to me. As an artist and as a woman from Afghanistan, I carry my country in my heart everywhere I go, and I’m proud to represent Afghanistan in spaces like this. I want to dedicate this award to the women and girls of Afghanistan. You are my strength, my inspiration, and my hope. This is for you.”

A Voice That Carries a Nation

For years, Aryana Sayeed has stood as one of the most visible Afghan artists on the global stage. She sings in Dari and Pashto and blends contemporary pop with cultural roots. Through her work, she has used her platform to champion freedom of expression, women’s rights, and artistic courage, often at personal risk.

Her award at the InterContinental Music Awards reflects the organization’s aim to celebrate music not only as entertainment, but also as a force for connection, cultural identity, and global dialogue.

At its core, the moment pointed to a broader idea behind the awards. Music is understood not only as a collection of songs, but also as a way to carry stories, stand for people who are often unheard, and connect artistic expression with real human experience.

Global Recognition, Personal Meaning

The InterContinental Music Awards brings together artists from more than 70 countries each year. The program honors excellence across genres, regions, and cultures. Aryana Sayeed’s win reflects the growing global recognition of Middle Eastern and Afghan artists whose work reaches audiences beyond national borders.

By dedicating the award to Afghan women and girls, she added a deeper layer of meaning. The moment turned a personal achievement into a shared expression of solidarity.

Aryana Sayeed’s full acceptance speech can be viewed as part of the 2025 InterContinental Music Awards ceremony.

About the InterContinental Music Awards

Founded in Los Angeles, the InterContinental Music Awards is an international platform dedicated to recognizing musical excellence from around the world. Through its annual awards, online ceremonies, and artist features, the organization brings together artists across cultures and regions.

 

A full list of 2025 InterContinental Music Awards winners is available here.

 

Aryana Sayeed’s Contact Info:

Website: https://aryanasayeed.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aryanasayeed

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aryanamusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/aryanamusic