From Kabul to Halifax: Musical Performance and Film Screening
Vaheed Kaacemy has been enthralling audiences in his native Afghanistan – and, indeed, around the world – for three decades. Last night in Halifax he showed an appreciative crowd exactly how he does it.
The renowned singer, composer and producer brought his engaging musical message to From Kabul to Halifax, a special event hosted by Bridges that Unite in Halifax.
Cultural pursuits represent an integral way to “weave the fabric of hope into our lives,” Khalil Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, told the approximately 100 people gathered at Pier 21, Canada’s Immigration Museum.
Shariff thanked the museum for being such a convivial partner in Bridges that Unite, noting it proved the perfect spot for the exhibit. “Our ability to bring people together from different parts of the community for our events has been notable,” he said.
The evening began with a screening of Richard Phinney’s film, Giving Peace a Chance, which documents positive changes – and the work of the Aga Khan Development Network – taking place in parts of Afghanistan.
It illustrates the assistance provided in a wide realm of areas, including education, health and microfinance, as well as a unique approach that has proven successful.
“The network believes in listening to what people want, not imposing their own ideas,” says the film’s narrator, noting AKDN often provides technical and financial help while relying on local residents’ management abilities and labour skills.
“It illuminates a side of Canadian efforts that Canadians don’t often have a chance to consider,” said Laurie Peters, Director of Public Affairs for AKFC, following the screening.
Kaacemy and two accompanying musicians – Wais Ulfat and Taza Gul – received a warm welcome from the crowd as they took to the stage.
Now living in Toronto, Kaacemy is known for performing Afghan folk songs, instrumentals and original compositions. He travels regularly to his native Afghanistan to teach music and, as part of a research project sponsored by AKFC, interview and record the country’s musicians.
“I start to go, village by village, and contact folk musician … because if we [do] not have document in writing, when they die, they take it with them, and we lose that,” Kaacemy told CBC Radio arts producer Phlis McGregor during an interview earlier in the day.
Kaacemy has performed at Kabul Stadium and at Pul-e Charkhi Political Prison, and has toured throughout the United States, Australia and Europe. He recently worked on a historic compilation of children’s songs from Afghanistan, in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., National Geographic Society, and the Ayenda Foundation: The Afghan Children’s Initiative.
“I grew with music – my feeling is with music. When I am sad, music helps me. When I am happy, music helps me,” Kaacemy told CBC.
And that feeling was palpable last night, as the exotic beats and rolling rhythms of his art transported the audience to a far-away place.
Haligonian Linda Peers said she was “blown away” by the performance, and intrigued by the ancient musical instruments employed by Kaacemy and company.
Those included the chang, a mouth harp; the tabla, a drum common in Afghanistan and India; the ghichak, a two-stringed instrument; and the rubab, which has three main strings, two harmony strings, and 13 short strings.
Following a standing ovation for Kaacemy, Laurie Peters, Director of Public Affairs for AKFC, challenged the audience to carry on the dialogue initiated by Bridges that Unite.
“Continue that conversation about what Canadians can do to replace the walls that divide us with bridges that unite,” she said.
It was a grand finale for Bridges that Unite, which wraps up its month-long run in Halifax today. It continues its cross-Canada tour at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, beginning January 28, 2010.
Hear an interview recorded with Vaheed by CBC Halifax's Phlis McGregor:
View introductory remarks from Mr. Shariff and footage from the evening:
