Friday, September 20, 2013

Pavlos Fyssas

I was just reading an article from the Australian Broadcasting Coroporation News site in which it was reported that Pavlos Fyssas a popular anti fascist hip hop artists in Greece was murdered by a member of Neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn. . Following the release of news about his death, protests began in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras. Pavlos recorded under the name Killah P

Golden Dawn currently rank 3rd in the opinion ratings in Greece but recent activities, including the an attempted assault on Athens mayor George Kaminis, have undermined its credibility and intentions. Golden Dawn's spokesperson Ilias Kasidiaris, having just been acquitted of aiding an assault on a left-wing student in 2007, now faces trial for an incident on a 2012 talk show in which a Communist lawmaker was struck.

The ABC state: "The Hellenic League for Human Rights said that the neo-Nazi group's acts of violence were escalating 'with impunity, as a rule'".

Further Reading
ABC News, Greece vows to rein in neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party after rap singer's murder (20 September 2013) < http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-19/greece-mulls-ban-on-neo-nazi-golden-dawn-party-after-rap-singer/4969958 > at 20 September 2013
 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace

I found a Sound Cloud audio recording of John Perry Barlow's Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace:


Playing for Change Foundation Day, September 21 2013

Playing for Change are having their annual global music fundraiser for music education in third world countries. It is being held this Saturday 21st September 2013 and is 'the global event for social change through music'. So far they have raised over $30,000 but are aiming for $150,000. Two hundred and eighty events have been organised in 50 countries.

They write: "[t]his year we are excited to join forces with 1Love, a global foundation started by the children of Bob Marley. 1Love was created as a beacon of world peace with the hope and promise of realizing Bob Marley’s dream that a united human race can build a better world through the work of a compassionate and caring global community."

Find out more about the events organised in your area on their website here.

Further Information
Playing for Change Day, About 1Love Playing for Change Day (2013) <http://playingforchangeday.org/about>  at 19 September 2013

Remembering and Healing: International Day of Peace

A fun day of activities and music is being organised in Lismore NSW near me this weekend to celebrate and mark the International Day of Peace. Organised by Remembering and Healing Inc., the day highlights their vision which is to only ever commemorate war with a commitment to peace and to honour those who have suffered by preventing war in the future.

Music includes local Indigenous artist Blakboi and a number of choirs and the day is MC'd by Mayor Jenny Dowell. Stories and songs of war and peace will be the focus. It is being held at the Rotunda in Spinx Park at 11.30am this Saturday 21 Spetember 2013.

Further Information
Remembering and Healing Inc. <http://rah.org.au/> at 19 September 2013




Amnesty International Ambassador for Conscience Award 2013: Harry Belafonte

Fantastic news recently that Harry Belafonte has been awarded the Amnesty International Ambassador for Conscience Award this year. A well known political song writer and activist, Harry was acknowledged for his contribution to overcoming injustice and furthering peace efforts through song. Bono writes on the U2 blog:

"Harry Belafonte, who has  dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, spanning the civil rights movement to the plight of children caught in Syria's armed conflict, was presented with his Award by Roger Waters. He said, 'Since its birth, I have been devoted to the principles for which Amnesty International stands. It is an honour to receive the recognition being bestowed. Amnesty International's stand on any universal abuse to human rights has been courageous and is our moral compass."

It is excellent to see Harry Belafonte being recognised for this talent and dedication. Details of his activism and career can be found here: Harry has been heavily involved in civil rights, humanitarian and political activism. He was also opposed to President George W Bush. 

Further Reading
Amnesty International,  Amnesty International Announces 2013 Ambassador of Conscience Awards; Malala Yousafzai and Harry Belafonte Are Named Recipients (16 September 2012) <http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/amnesty-international-announces-2013-ambassador-of-conscience-awards-malala-yousafzai-and-harry-bela> at 19 September 2013
 
U2, Malala Yousafzai, Harry Belafonte: Ambassadors of Conscience (17 September 2013) <http://www.u2.com/news/title/malala-yousafzai-ambassador-of-conscience> at 19 September 2013
  
Wikipedia, Harry Belafonte (7 September 2013) <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_belafonte> at 19 September 2013

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Music With A Message Update

Just wanted to make sure I kept you all in the loop with respect to my radio show. Might rename it Thinking Music and/or move it to another time slot and have a separate hour of just great music. Still contemplating the future. Do you think that would be good? Great show today - played The Last Kinnection, The Specials, Eric Clapton, Peter Tosh, Bliss N Eso, The Prodigy, Jamiroquai. There might have been one more song - if you heard the show maybe you could let me know!!