The Mogadishu Music Festival
Hello DJs and radiomakers,
Since the 13th of April, broadcasting, listening and making music is forbidden in the Somali capital Mogadishu. All the local radio stations had to comply to the wishes of the Islamist militants who are controlling large parts of the country to not risk their lives. Instead of music, radio stations are playing traffic noise, sounds of the nature and gunshots to excite their listeners. The Mogadishu Music Festival is founded to speak out against this barbaric act of banning music. Mogadishu Music Festival is a fictive festival with the purpose to make people aware of these inhuman practices in Somalia. We believe there's such a thing as 'The Right to Listen Music' and that this right is being infringed in Somalia. And not only this right, but also the Freedom of Speech/Expression.
Our concrete manifestation is an international radio broadcast on the 5th of July. Radio stations participating are given songs to play, songs bands dedicated to the festival. Bands that already are 'playing' on the festival are Joanna Newsom, John Grant, De Staat and The Frames. Radio stations will play these and other songs and tell their listeners about the project. Each program is free to give a spin on the project and do it their own way.
We are speaking to Amnesty International for sponsoring and they are willing to help us. An idea is that virtual tickets will be sold and the money raised will go to Amnesty. Much bands and artists are willing to participate and have sent in songs. Radio stations participating are Radio Patapoe and Don Letts on BBC 6. 'Stichting Nedsom', a Dutch foundation who is building schools in Somalia and helping the Somali to get good quality drink water, is interested to help and many other parties like the initiative.
Want to be part of this project? Send an e-mail to info@mogadishumusicfestival.com! More information can be found on our website, http://mogadishumusicfestival.com