The State We're In - 17 July 2010. How musicians in Tibet, Iran and Sudan keep hope alive that the weight of history can be thrown off and a new era of freedom may yet be born.
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Tibet in song
Ngawang Choephel was born in Tibet, but raised in India. He fell in love with Tibetan song and dance and wanted to document its traditions, which the Chinese have been trying to stamp out. So he went there in 1995, got arrested and was sentenced, with no trial, to 18 years in prison. International pressure got him released after 7 years. Using his documentary, “Tibet In Song”, he tells Jonathan why music is central to the Tibetan soul. Link - Tibet In Song.
Persian Cats
Bahman Ghobadi knew nothing about the underground music scene in Iran. Political demonstrations can get you killed. And asking for government permission to make art is too compromising. The musicians in his film just do it. And their music keeps the spirit of defiance on fire in Iran.
More on Facebook: No One Knows about Persian Cats
Rapping with a message
MA 2X describes himself as Southern Sudan’s first rapper. He calls his music Kush music, after the ancient name for his country. His aim is to inspire his countrymen as they try to rebuild the south following a devastating civil war that’s been described as the deadliest of the previous century.
Musica humana
Patients in Danish hospitals are waking up from their operations to the gentle sounds of harps and cellos. It’s part of a project researching the healing power of music. The results show that it’s not just improving patients’ recovery time, but is also changing the working environment for doctors and nurses.
Maida’s music
Maida is 76 years old and has advanced dementia. The piano was always part of her life and every Monday her son comes to her care home with his violin and they play music for the other residents.
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This was one of the most beautiful programs you've done. I was especially moved by how the mother and son play for the rest home where she lives. She has Alzheimer's and cannot read the music anymore, but she can still play.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Always nice to hear. Greg, Editor TSWI
no ma2x u not the first sudanese rapper boy cose before u exist ur seniors rapper nigga let it be in twic
or warrap man cose in uganda more than five sudanese were there so may I corr
enlightening discussion on the amazing power of music
Who sings the song at the end of the "No One Knows About Persian Cats" segment? She has such a beautiful voice, I'd love to hear the whole song.
Hi JPG,
You know, it's not indicated who sings that song, but I think it's Take It Easy Hospital, the young man and woman who were the lead actors in the film No One Knows about Persian Cats. Here's a link to their wiki which has other links.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_It_Easy_Hospital
Yes, you're right! The song is called "My Sleepy Fall," it's on their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/takeiteasyhospital Thanks!
Thanks for showing us these wonderful people and initiatives!!
Beautiful and wonderful experiences!! Thanks for show us these initiatives!!! :)
Hi nubiarojas: thanks for the kind words. Can I ask how you hear us in Colombia and how you came across TSWI in the first place? Cheers, Greg Kelly (editor, TSWI)
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