SXSW Announces ContraBanned: #MusicUnites Showcase
The Executive Order restricting entry to the United States from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has had a profound impact on the landscape of international communities. Its revised version was signed on March 6, 2017, and the repercussions will continue for people worldwide. The order will jeopardize the mobility and safety of people from these predominantly Muslim countries.
Music has always been a medium for celebrating love and unity, but it is also a powerful vehicle for addressing social and political injustice in a way that builds up communities instead of turning them against one another.
Contrabanned: #MusicUnites is presenting a showcase of artists from these areas affected by the order including Ash Koosha (Iran / London UK), Faarrow (Somalia / Toronto CA), Kayem (Libya / Chicago IL), Mamak Khadem (Iran / Los Angeles CA), Mohsen Namjoo (Iran / New York NY), Dena El Saffar (Iraq / Bloomington IN), and Bassel & The Supernaturals (Syria / Chicago IL), to facilitate awareness and dialogue between these communities and beyond. The showcase will be on Friday, March 17 at the Palm Door on Sixth patio.
The showcase features sounds ranging from traditional to modern to absolutely futuristic (like Ninja Tune experimentalist Ash Koosha.) The show not only highlights these geographical spaces but also different generational takes on musical style. Dena El Saffar will be starting things off with a more traditional sound, The Mamak Khadem Ensemble will serenade showgoers with her incredible voice, Mohsen Namjoo’s funky take on more traditional forms will lift collective spirits, Faarrow will modernize things a bit with more club-friendly material, Bassel & The Supernaturals will play their lounge-friendly jazz-funk, and Kayem’s hip-hop set will round out the diverse showcase. Come support these artists and join the cause to show that the power of music is universal: #MusicUnites.
If you haven’t registered for SXSW yet, register for access to this event and much more. The badge provides you with primary access to Music Festival showcases, industry-focused Conference sessions, networking events and parties, the Trade Show, SXSW Gaming, and more, plus secondary access to most Film and Interactive events.
2017 Showcasing Artist, Ash Koosha - Photo by Bardia Koushan
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By Hayden Bagot
03/8/2017
