World Music Takes Center Stage

By Veronique Hoebeke

Diplomacy is no longer something to be kept to the select few who work for the United Nations; it is something that everyone can now participate in. The U.S. State department is bringing the musical program, Center Stage, to The United States. Center Stage serves as a medium between Americans and musicians from around the globe. The mission of Center Stages’ New England tour is “Bringing Vibrant Contemporary Performers to U.S.—and Cultural Diplomacy to Main Street America.” Any lovers of music will appreciate this program.

The artists featured have a uniqueness to them which is all their own. The Indonesian group, Jogja Hiphop Foundation, uses their fast and witty rhyming techniques to spread messages of cultural tolerance. The rock band from Lahora, Pakistan called noori encourages the young people of their native country to take initiative with their lives. The female duo Zeb and Haniya bring a new feel to Pakistani music, being one of the few female musical artists from their country. These artists, as well as many others, will be performing in the New England area this summer and into the winter season. The opportunity to see these musicians is thanks in part to the Fulbright-Hays act of 1961, which prompted the U.S. Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to promote an open cultural dialogue between the U.S. and other countries.

The Center Stage program uses the musical form of art, to promote knowledge, tolerance and appreciation of other cultures.

In other global music happenings, Aboriginal Music Week will hit Winnipeg, Canada from October 30th to November 4th. The event features a variety of music from funk, to blues and country from Native American, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous musicians. The popularity of the fest has doubled in the last year, making Aboriginal Music Week a a major growing achievement. In a time of global unrest, music continues to unite.