Abuja: Celebrating World Music Day
The event organized by the United States Embassy, Abuja in collaboration with the FCT Arts and Culture and Open Mic Forum, held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Garki. Inspired by the life of Pearl, born October 10, the evening paid tribute to visionary men and women who used music to lift people of different […]
The event organized by the United States Embassy, Abuja in collaboration with the FCT Arts and Culture and Open Mic Forum, held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Garki.
Inspired by the life of Pearl, born October 10, the evening paid tribute to visionary men and women who used music to lift people of different backgrounds and beliefs above the differences which set them apart.
Starting off with reggae performances of Lucky Dube’s tunes guests were entertained by Abuja based artistes, Isha, Jullietta, Aso Rock Band and Open Mic Forum with Baba 2010 and Zaaki Azzay as major acts.
Abuja experienced the event which took place simultaneously across the world in countries including the US, London, Australia, Jerusalem amongst others for the first time.
Taking place since October 2002, Mr. Bill Straaberger, Cultural Affairs Officer, US Embassy said it is part of the world’s effort to promote tolerance, harmony through music. “We decided to be part of the celebration as musicians try to develop their career. We support the efforts of the Arts and Culture and the Open Mic program to do this.”
In response to the uniqueness of this event as against others he has had, Azzay said, “I’m up for anything that has to do with freedom, peace. I feel honoured to be a part of this today celebrating the memory of Daniel Pearl.
“One of the reasons the organizers insisted I be a part of this is because of the peace song I did on Boko Haram, where I preach that change is possible, peace is possible. I feel it is a song that everyone is looking forward to me performing.”
For Baba 2010 the concept of the event was significant for him because it emphasised that violence didn’t pay or bring about resolutions to any situation. “We need to stay away from killing people, drugs and other such vices which really don’t help. It is all about unity and people seeing themselves as one regardless their race.
“The most important thing here is the message we are passing on to the people. For me this is crucial for the entertainer whom I consider a part of nation building.
President, Open Mic, Nigeria, Mohammed Sulaiman said the event is designed to meet the celebration of World Music Day. “This one in particular is for us to saying that those who have invested their energy in the entertainment industry when they pass on there are people to remember them. Next year we want to celebrate Fela. When you receive international recognition for a project, infusing what you have then becomes a fundamental must.
For Linda Ameh a guest, it was a very god initiative which should be done more frequently. “I like the fact that we can celebrate the life of someone like Pearl who stood for something that we all support. I also think that in doing so we should celebrate the lives of some of our own that have impacted on us the same way Pearl did in America.”
Pearl was a Wall Street journalist based in Pakistan at the time who was killed in the line of duty. His parents decided to remember him by his music as one who was a world class violinist. He is said to have interacted with local musicians on his travels with whom he would sing songs advocating peace.