Language no barrier to passion of international artists
Malika Ladha
Freelance
How often do youth today attend a musical show that doesn’t involve a famous celebrity, such as Justin Timberlake or Timbaland, and deals with religion and spirituality? Not very often.
But there was no shortage of youth at a show just like that recently. A Mystical Journey: Sufi Music and Other Expressions of Devotion from the Muslim World came to Edmonton in mid-October. It was one of many international initiatives of the Ismaili Muslim community to commemorate His Highness the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee year as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims.
What I thought would be a boring show featured singing, dancing and poetry from 60 talented artists from various parts of the world, such as Bosnia, India, Iran, Algeria, Canada and Syria.
Pakistani folk singer Sain Zahoor performed at A Mystical Journey.
Photograph by : Shaughn Butts, The Journal
Although different in form, each song, poem and dance effectively conveyed a search for the divine, which is common to every religion around the globe. The purpose of A Mystical Journey was to showcase the diversity within Islam’s rich traditions.
It truly was a showcase because it brought together these different 60 artists — some who grew up in small villages, the rural mountain area, busy urban centres — from around the globe together for one unforgettable show. Each performer, no matter how famous or rich, was given 15 minutes to work their magic on stage.
This focus of harmony and celebrating diversity is directly linked to Canada’s philosophy of welcoming new citizens and embracing their traditions to add to Canada’s diverse culture.
Many of these performances were in languages much of audience did not understand; still, the voices and beats of the passionate artists stirred everyone’s hearts. The crowds listened intently, grasping each note, and clapped in unison. This show truly took every single audience member on a mystical journey.
I was blown away by the impressive performance every artist provided. I felt their intense passion and was spiritually and mentally enlightened. My favourite performer was Salman Ahmad, a doctor by training and a rock musician by profession, who formed part of southeast Asia’s largest rock band, Junoon.
“Amazing and inspiring are the only words that come to mind,” said one youth attendee, Amal Ebrahim.
The show kicked off in Vancouver and will be travelling across Canada for the next couple weeks before heading off to the United States and Europe.
Malika Ladha is in Grade 11 at Jasper Place
Ismailimail 