Is music activism cleansing the soul of Europe?

Reflecting on David Rovics, Kristian Svenson And Elona Planman passage in Trondheim, Norway.

By Raïs Neza Boneza

With the recent refugee a.ka. migrants and economic crisis shadowing Europe, there is hope after all, few artists are breaking the barrier of the usual “brouhaha of humanitarian concert a la Bono and Geldof”. Recently, it easy to see that the European left has been plunged into the ambiguous understanding of world politic; due probably to the confusion created by their governments in relation to the different chaos and wars, they helped create around the Middle East and the world at large. The Left and change movement need a remedy to rejuvenate; a few Artists have toured Trondheim in Norway during summer bringing and uplifting reflection into the change and leftist movement.

From Left Rais, Kristian Svenson, Elona, David Rovics

The trio David Rovic (USA), Kristian Svenson (Sweden) and Elona Planman (Sweden) brought to Trondheim and Norway just that cocktail of peace and social justice needed to remind us about world events, and people dignity. While blending their perfumed lyrics with humanity grievances and the acoustic tenderness of their guitars, they blew into their audience mind the wind of change, equality and togetherness. These values have inspired various social movements in promoting responsibility, generosity and cooperation between human beings. These three artist-musicians shared their experiences and creative ideas to the world turning their uniqueness into something social. Their music reinvents the world by means of values based on non-violence, dialogue and solidarity at the same time as it stimulates reflection.Elona Planman

For example, David Rovics music engaged issues such as the 2003 Iraq war, anti-globalization and social justice issues. In Trondheim, Roves did not forget Eugene Obiora killed under police custody in September 2006 through his song “Obiora”. Mr. Rovics tours regularly around the world singing for large and small public at cafes, church, pub, universities and protest rallies. Mr. Rovics can be considered as a people poet and always presenting his craft from the point of view of the oppressed people. His essays are published regularly on CounterPunch and Truthout. He has made all of his recorded music freely available as downloadable mp3 files. He encourages the free distribution of his work for non-profit.

Such Artists as Alona, Kristian Svenson and David Roves potential to tame music power to promote peace, dignity, and social change in their respective societies and beyond, it is something to praise. It remind us that after all it is not late for us to promote global solidarity instead of enmity, to foster understanding and cooperation for the sake of future generations. The lyrics of these artists remind us as Edmund Burk said once:  “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.”

You can follow these artist as they embark on their european tour at:

@drovics for David Rovics on twitter

#elonaplanman elona  on instagram

 

 

 

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