Music / News

Bristol folk band release charity single

By Issy Packer  Friday Nov 24, 2023

Ushti Baba, the seven piece folk outfit, have released their brand new single, Pas de Passport which is dedicated to the cause of refugee hospitality.

The doom-folk anthem was conceived after two band members forgot their passports on a trip to play in France and were struck with feelings of vulnerability, ‘luck-of-the-draw’ and compassion.

The track’s artwork was produced by Shula Soleman, a Bristol-based fine artist and member of the Bristol Refugee Artist Collective.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent.

Shula uses art to explore social issues, and to illustrate the profound loss of her northern Iraqi heritage and identity as a Kurdish woman now exiled in England.

Pas de Passeport is the first of a series of four singles that will be released by the band over winter 2023-2024.

The single’s artwork was produced by Shula Soleman, a member of the Bristol Refugee Artist Collective. photo: Shula Soleman

The brand new single will raise money for the charity, Refugee Action.

On the song, guitarist and lyricist Sam Ford said: “Political and ecological crises are forcing millions around the planet away from the places they know as home.

Music is a universal language of pain, hope and celebration. Ushti Baba’s tunes and songs are influenced by, or learned from, lots of different cultures.

“As well as raising money for Refugee Action through Pas de Passeport sales, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the amazing work of local groups like Borderlands, Bristol Refugee Rights, Bristol Hospitality Network, Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter and Bristol Refugee Festival, all actively helping people feel safe and welcome in communities locally.”

The single can be purchased via Bandcamp before being available on other streaming platform later this month.

You can buy the track at https://ushti-baba.bandcamp.com/track/pas-de-passeport

Ushti Baba will be playing a string of live shows ahead of the New Year, including a hometown show at The Exchange on December 9.

Tickets are on sale now and can be found at https://hdfst.uk/e93723

Main photo: Sam Cavender

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - main-staging.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning