Rap as Resistance: Sonita Alizada’s Journey to Freedom

Sonita Alizada was only 10 years old when her family sold her into marriage. When that deal collapsed, they nearly sold her again—for $9,000. Born in Afghanistan and raised in Iran under strict conditions, Sonita’s future was supposed to be one of silence and servitude. Instead, she found her voice—and used it to fight for the freedom of girls around the world.

In a new interview with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo, Sonita recounts her escape from child marriage and her rise as a rapper, activist, and global symbol of resistance. Her 2015 song “Daughters for Sale” went viral, amassing over 1.5 million views on YouTube. Its raw, emotional message about the reality of forced marriage sparked international attention and helped Sonita secure a scholarship to study in the United States.

Against the odds, she learned English, thrived academically, and graduated from Bard College in 2023. In October 2025, she will begin a master’s program at Oxford University as a prestigious Rhodes Scholar.

Sonita’s story is captured in her new memoir, Sonita: My Fight Against Tyranny and My Escape to Freedom (HarperOne; July 8, 2025). The book chronicles her life under Taliban rule, her fight to escape, and her mission to end child marriage. It includes personal family photos and a playlist of her original songs, accessible via QR code.

Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders and featured by Forbes and BBC, Sonita now has over 155,000 followers and continues to reach millions through her music and activism. She has performed at the U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards and received the Cannes Lions Humanitarian Award.

Her message is clear: every girl deserves the right to choose her own future. Through her music, her writing, and her voice, Sonita Alizada is ensuring they are heard.