Music and Social Change |
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"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
- Victor Hugo
Music is never simply noise: it is the sound of a society, of a time, of a place. Music marks the spirit of people; people make music that reflects their thinking and feeling. Music, then, always has the potential to be dangerous - it can inflame the revolutionary - which is why it has been banned and censored at many points in history. It articulates the ideas and emotions that are too strong for words, and that "cannot remain silent." This refusal to remain silent is why music has so much social power. In this month's theme, we explore music as a reflection of, and force for, social change. Music that is angry, joyous, and necessary. |
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Omar Mostafa
23, Egypt
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I play an Arabic musical instrument called Ud or "Lute" in English. Last February, I was participating in the "Ship for World Youth Program," where I had the chance to meet and share my culture with youth from all over the world.
This musical piece is Japarab (Japan + Arab) music, which is a combination playing between me and a Japanese female friend Yacchi, who plays a typical Japanese instrument, Koto. This piece is a combination of 2 famous songs from Egypt and Japan, but we felt that there's a common soul between them that could be felt when you listen. Our performance inspired many people on the Ship, and it was a unique dialogue between cultures. I'm really happy about this experiment, which deepened my interest in the music of other cultures. |
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I Am Hip Hop
"I Am Hip Hop" is a video created by youth through the Global Action Project, a project that defines hip hop as a youth movement and culture, an expression of the daily life experiences of urban youth.Watch the video! |
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All songs and lyrics are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Songs and lyrics are subject to all Canadian copyright laws and remain property of their respective owners. |