Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, recently enjoyed a significant milestone by attending her first-ever major concert, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, at London’s Wembley Stadium. Describing the event as “magical,” Yousafzai shared the experience on Instagram, calling it her “first-ever proper concert.”
In a series of photos posted on Saturday, Malala documented the memorable night with her husband, Asser Malik, and close friends. The group also embraced the Swiftie tradition of exchanging friendship bracelets, adding to the special atmosphere of the concert.
Accompanying the photos was a heartfelt reflection on how Taylor Swift’s music has been a part of Malala’s life since childhood. She shared a nostalgic memory from her time in Swat Valley, Pakistan, where she and her best friend, Moniba, attended a middle school field trip. This was during a period when the Taliban had banned music and art in the region.
“One of my favorite memories from Swat Valley is a field trip I took in middle school with my best friend, Moniba,” Malala recalled. “We were so excited because we were finally allowed to go to school again and could be outdoors with our friends, laughing and singing together.”
Malala continued by describing how, after enduring a time when music was forbidden, it became a precious gift to her. She and Moniba climbed atop a rock and performed Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” with all their might, declaring it their new favorite song. This was the beginning of Malala’s journey as a Swiftie.
Reflecting on her recent experience at the concert, Malala expressed how surreal it felt to attend her first proper concert and sing along to Taylor Swift’s songs, surrounded by friends.
However, she also took the opportunity to highlight a somber reality. Malala reminded her followers that the Taliban, who once banned music in her village, has regained control in Afghanistan. Today, music is once again silenced, and girls and women are barred from education, work, and public life.
“In Swat, music made my friends and me feel confident and free,” Malala wrote. “I hope we will one day live in a world where every girl can enjoy music and live out her wildest dreams.”
This concert was more than just a musical event for Malala—it was a powerful moment of freedom, joy, and a reminder of the challenges many girls still face around the world.
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