Alicia Keys is not just one of our favorite songstresses of all time, she is also lauded for her advocacy for women’s rights and humanitarian efforts. Recently, the “New York” hit-maker paid a visit to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia where she performed at Al Ula and was recognized by a Saudi-based non-profit enterprise, Namat. Following her sensational performance, the charity gifted Keys a handmade bag strap that conveyed what she stands for.
Save the date: Alicia Keys will perform in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on February 11 https://t.co/sg3hlLsTxt
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) February 9, 2022
The gift was inspired by her song, “This Girl Is On Fire,” and was presented to her at the “Women to Women” event at Al Ula’s Town Hall.
The bag strap was designed by the women at Namat who embroidered the words of the song, choosing sentences and words that resonated with them the most. They shared that the words of the song inspire Namat’s focus on female employment and empowerment – and Alicia Keys was touched by the gesture.
The scarf is gorgeous. Hope to see much more in #handcrafts and art from these talented #Saudi students. Perhaps an exhibit and sale in the US? https://t.co/alZaPYewju
— Irina Tsukerman (@irinatsukerman_) February 14, 2022
Alicia Keys' powerful words in AlUla resonate with Saudi Arabia's commitment to women empowerment. “We are all here as allies for each other, and we are here to support each other."
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) February 13, 2022
(Video via @M_AlTurki) pic.twitter.com/h2v9J04M00
Keys was grateful for the thoughtful and inspired gift and took to Instagram to thank the women who created the bag strap personally, stating, “To the ladies who designed this beautiful piece for me from Namat, I just wanted you to know I got it and it is so stunning,” she said. “And literally the translation, the words, the energy, you captured it. You captured the meaning. You are the meaning which is why you captured it. You mean so much to me and I just wanted to tell you that I adore this and this is a very special gift to me and thank you for blessing the world.”
