Celebrating Sanctuary: Refugee Week

Formerly known as Lilas Lafleur, Queen Lilas was born and raised in Paris to Congolese parents. Her music is positive and from the heart. She is a gifted and accomplished musician, composer and producer who plays piano, guitar, percusssion and more. Lilas was trained by her uncle and highly respected Zoukous artist, Diblo Dibala, a Congolese musician, known as “Machine Gun” for his speed and skill on the guitar. In recent years, Lilas has performed and recorded with him as a backing singer.

Lilas supported R&B superstar, Ne-Yo at his sell-out North East England After Party in Sunderland in 2009, and has performed at various venues and festivals around the UK such as 'Taste of Africa' (Middlesborough), 'L'Afrique Festival' (Newcastle).  She recorded and released songs as a featured artist with Roc Nation / Sony RCA artist K Koke. Over the last 3-4 years Lilas has spent time producing, writing and arranging her album, “Ntoto” released in October 2023, and TIYA in March 2025, also performing extensively across the UK.  We are delighted to welcome Lilas back with her band of accomplished musicians, to share her exciting, fresh and modern music.  Guaranteed to get you dancing!
 

Musician and singer originally hailing from Lom in Bulgaria brings stories of hope, home and songs of nostalgia in the Roma-gypsey language. Through engaging performance and guitar, Stefan shares fantastic songs with his audiences. Having performed with a plethera of talented musicians from different backgrounds and genres, we are delighted to welcome Stefan Stefanov to our programme for the first time.

Zirak Hamad is a violinist, drummer and singer from Iraqi Kurdistan. A graduate of the Institute of Fine Arts in Iraq, he has a wide range of experience in his home country. Since coming to the UK in 2002 he has delivered Middle Eastern dance and music workshops, performed solo and with many different artists, also forming Daholl Kurdish Band.  

Formed in 2018, Folk Ensemble "Breza" is now over 25 members strong, performing traditional dance and music in classical Slovak costumes with traditional instruments.  Under the tutorage of professional dance chorographer Petra Dona, "Breza" have performed nationally at wedding ceremonies, community events, The Commonwealth Festival in 2022 & Birmingham Festival in 2023. Also at Centenary Square and Mac during Refugee Week 2023.  Breza perform as a large ensemble and in smaller groups and we are delighted to welcome them back to Refugee Week 2026.

In Her Shoes are a group of artists who create opportunities and spaces for women and girls to come together, share creative experiences and have fun. They believe in women’s empowerment and personal development.  

Stories of Hope and Home is a community of people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary who come together to explore and share their stories. They will perform some songs and spoken word pieces linked to their upcoming performance at Birmingham REP in July.

Celebrating Sanctuary is a charity who support refugee and migrant artists and work with refugees and asylum seekers through community projects.  We are currently unfunded and are bringing you this event due to the partnership and support of Mac and Near Neighbours.  If you would like to support Celebrating Sanctuary or find out more about our work please visit our website.