Deeyah Khan receives 2016 Peer Gynt Prize in Norway

Each year since 1971, members of Norway’s parliament pick the recipient for the Peer Gynt Prize. Deeyah Khan was chosen as the 2016 prize winner for her work promoting Norway on the international stage.

Speaking about the prize to broadcaster NRK, Deeyah comments: “What makes me more proud is to be the first award-winner who’s the child of an immigrant from Pakistan” continuing to express her gratitude and say’s that the prize “represents the new Norway, which is a diverse Norway”.

Previous recipients include Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Magnus Carlsen, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Eva Joly.

Renowned Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær and Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat both attended the prize ceremony in support of Deeyah Khan.