Entertainment

The legacy of the Sage of the Andes

Published

1 year ago

September 21, 2023

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“… it is almost certain that one fine day a man of titanic soul will be born here – titans are the children of the mountains – who will write sovereign verses and will properly be the Ande that versifies.”

Jose Ortega y Gasset, Meditacion de la Criolla, 1939

And he had already been born, Don Jose, the year before your speech, only you could not know it. Mario Luis Rodriguez Cobos, who would later be known in these and other latitudes by the name by which he would go down in history, Silo, came into the world in Mendoza, Argentina, on the edge of those great and inspiring mountains in January 1938, and his body, faithful companion of his many wanderings, lay inert on 16 September seventy-two years later.

But what sense could there be in commemorating the death of the man who early on proclaimed “There is no meaning in life if everything ends in death”? The only reason with any coherent meaning is to highlight his work and legacy, which has undoubtedly transcended the individual and whose rays are projected without being tarnished in the least by the anecdotes of physical time.

However, highlighting a few of his experiences and proposals could dwarf his masterful contribution to the human species, while a necessary interpretative reduction could distort, in other eyes, his main message. Silo himself, aware of these issues, took it upon himself to alleviate the matter by placing his texts and reliable speeches on a site that we recommend visiting, as well as consulting his printed books published in different languages.

Having made these clarifications, we can freely comment on three aspects that we consider to be of fundamental importance in his legacy.

In the search for the deepest truths of the human being, in the investigation of the purpose of his existence, several mystics tried to go beyond the phenomenal world, going into the unveiling of essential mysteries. And, as if they were touching the bottom of a pond with their feet, the need to communicate their discoveries pushed them with force to the surface to share what they considered would improve human life.

Thus, the task to which Silo dedicated his life, and which forms an irreplaceable part of his legacy, is that of delving into, understanding and overcoming all the factors that generate pain and suffering in and around us. As he explained on numerous occasions, external violence with its multiple modalities and the internal violence produced by contradiction, intimately linked by subtle threads, are today the main stumbling block to be removed.

In a historical time that has dissociated subjectivity from the object, separated energetic expression from material expression, compartmentalised the spiritual and the political as separate realms – perhaps to ensure the feudal domination of some actor in them – it is a moral imperative to recompose the lost unity and restore to the peoples the capacity to move through this unique and indissoluble space with a creative sense.

Rebellion in the face of determination

In a significant passage of his book “Humanise the Earth”, Silo states: “I will not accept at my side those who project a transcendence out of fear, but those who rise up in rebellion against the inevitability of death”.

This attitude of rebellion against the given, the factual, together with the capacity of the human being to find creative ways out of the various enclosures and apparent conditionings, is a central component of his doctrine.

In relation to the supposedly natural and determined condition, Silo is emphatic and enlightening when he points out in his essay ” Regarding what is Human”: “In the human being there is no human “nature”, unless this “nature” is considered as a capacity different from the animal one, of moving between times outside the horizon of perception. In other words: if there is something “natural” in the human being, it is not in the mineral, vegetable or animal sense, but in the sense that what is natural is change, history, transformation.”

“Such an idea of change” – he goes on to say – “does not conveniently fit in with the idea of “nature” and therefore we prefer not to use the latter word as it has been used, and with which numerous disloyalties to the human being have been justified.”

In this way, when observing today a certain almost “ritual” devotion to the “laws” of the natural ambit and in the face of certain voices that blame the human race (and not the mechanisms of the capitalist system itself) for the current environmental degradation, the affirmation of the human capacity and need to transform its environment becomes a banner of rebellion against the regressive conservationist clamour, which omits the calamities that the species had to and still has to face due to external and its own natural conditioning factors.

The guides who traced evolutionary paths for humanity spoke to their peoples from their historical and cultural circumstances. This fact, perhaps necessary to connect with the feelings and needs of the people, later collided with others when they tried to spread the messages, causing violence and imposition.

From its very roots, Silo shares his message with a clear intention of universality, respecting the cultural translations that each people can produce and at the same time will be a convergence towards essential values and experiences, proper to the same human species, whatever its geographical and cultural condition.

The characteristic of free interpretation expressed by himself in relation to the possible experiences derived from his teaching, on the other hand, makes his doctrine permeable to the human transformations of the future, an aspect absolutely coherent with his dynamic conception of the Human Being.

Universalist Humanism, as a social expression of his Message, also points to a project in accordance with the formation of the first fully interconnected civilisation in human history, promoting the image of a Universal Human Nation, inclusive and twinned with the purpose of tackling the challenges of the species in a united and collaborative way.

As we made clear at the beginning of this article, there are many more aspects to mention in Silo’s work, but as a collective executor of that legacy, these few lines suffice to affirm the validity, necessity and centrality of Silo’s proposal in a world that needs to open its future to new utopias.

Related to this, in a warm spirit of possibility and openness towards the future, and by way of testimony, we adhere to the following extract from the aforementioned essay by Silo:

“I love, then, the Human Being, his growing humanisation. And in moments of crisis of reification, in moments of dehumanisation, I love its possibility of future rehabilitation”.

Source: Pressenza

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

Bollywood singer Vishal Mishra set to perform live at Coca-Cola Arena

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Staff Reporter

Bollywood’s award-winning playback singer and composer Vishal Mishra is all set to make his electrifying debut at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena on November 22. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for an unforgettable evening as the maestro takes the stage to perform his chart-topping hits live for the first time in the city.

Renowned for his soulful voice and a discography brimming with heartfelt melodies, Vishal Mishra has left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene. From chartbusters like “Pehla Pyaar” and “Zihal e Miskin” Vishal’s music has captured hearts worldwide. His signature blend of melody and emotion, combined with his ability to connect deeply with audiences, promises a concert that will be nothing short of magical.

Speaking about the upcoming concert, the 32-year-old star who rose to fame with the hit song “Kaise Hua” from Kabir Singh, shared his excitement: “Performing in Dubai is always like a dream, and I am thrilled to finally connect with my fans here at the Coca-Cola Arena. Music has the power to unite people, and I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone. I promise it will be a night filled with love, energy, and pure magic.”

A Night to Remember:

The Coca-Cola Arena, one of Dubai’s premier entertainment venues, will set the stage for this extraordinary event. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, the arena will provide the perfect setting for Vishal Mishra to bring his music to life, offering fans a front-row seat to the essence of Bollywood’s musical brilliance.

Attendees can look forward to an intimate yet high-energy experience, as Vishal performs his Bollywood Chartbusters like “Pehle Bhi Main” from movie ‘Animal’, Oscar award winning “Nacho Nacho” from Movie RRR and fan favourites such as Zihal-e-miskin, Aaj Bhi and Manjha.

With fans across the region eagerly awaiting this event, tickets are already selling fast. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Vishal’s music or only discovering his artistry for the first time, this concert promises a night to remember for all.

Event Details:
Date: 22nd November 2024
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/94400/vishal-mishtra-live-in-coca-cola-arena-dubai

Entertainment

Neha Kakkar set to Headline Inaugural Indian Musical Festival in Dubai

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Suhani Singh

The Indian Musical Festival (IMF), Dubai’s biggest music festival, is set to debut with an unforgettable performance by Bollywood’s Pop Queen, Neha Kakkar. Taking place at Etisalat Academy on December 28, 2024, this premier event will bring Neha Kakkar back to Dubai, three years since her last live show in the city, for a show-stopping experience filled with energy, music, and the true spirit of Bollywood. Known for her iconic voice, magnetic stage presence, and hits that have dominated the charts, Neha’s performance at IMF Dubai is anticipated to be the must-attend musical celebration of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB3A04IIh7F/?igsh=ZHUzbWw5Z2JvcTR6

Neha Kakkar, with her infectious charisma and talent, has become one of the most-watched female artists worldwide, amassing over 4 billion views on YouTube and a fanbase of more than 78.7m followers on Instagram. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian artist awarded the prestigious YouTube Diamond Award in 2021, underscoring her massive influence and popularity. Her recognition on platforms such as Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 and the Asia 100 Digital Stars lists further highlights her global impact, solidifying her status as an international music icon.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Aadhil Noushad, Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled to bring the Indian Musical Festival to Dubai, with Neha Kakkar headlining our maiden edition. It is our pleasure to unite the fans with the music and artists they love through unforgettable performances and energy. We look forward to making IMF Dubai a landmark festival that celebrates Indian music and culture on a grand scale.”

This maiden edition of IMF Dubai is expected to be a celebration like no other with more than 10,000 tickets on sale, making it one of the biggest music carnivals in the UAE. It is set to capture the heart of Bollywood through Neha Kakkar’s most beloved songs and deliver an electrifying night to fans and music lovers across the UAE. As the headline artist, Neha will take the audience on a journey through her biggest hits, blending powerful vocals with captivating stage production in an evening that promises non-stop entertainment and high-energy performances.

Tickets for IMF Dubai’s inaugural concert are now on sale, with a limited-time 15 per cent discount available on all categories during Phase 1 of ticketing. Given the high anticipation around this event, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of Dubai’s largest Bollywood musical celebration of 2024. This exclusive event not only brings fans closer to one of India’s most celebrated pop sensations but also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant Bollywood music scene in Dubai.

IMF Dubai, organised by Notout Entertainments LLC and Elounge India with ticketing partner Qtickets, represents a landmark commitment to premier Indian entertainment in Dubai. As IMF Dubai launches its flagship festival, it sets a new standard for Indian musical events in the region, with future editions already in the planning stages to make an even greater impact. IMF Dubai is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, music, and a shared passion that connects people across borders.

For more information on tickets, event details, and more, please visit imfdubai.com/.

To book your tickets now, visit tinyurl.com/4jpwarkw.

For more queries and the latest updates, visit tinyurl.com/jkr44nvs.

Announcements

GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL SPECTACLE “ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI” TO PREMIERE IN DECEMBER 2025

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

Staff Reporter

Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment – today announced the launch of “Once Upon A Time in Dubai”, a pioneering musical that is set to captivate audiences starting in December 2025. Supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s UAE, this first-of-its-kind production marks a historic moment in Dubai’s entertainment landscape – the first time a musical of this scale has been mounted in the region.

“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world. Something never seen before – one that’s exclusively made in Dubai, by the people of Dubai, for the rest of the world,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far. “This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

“Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.

A Stellar Creative Team

The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally. The music for “Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video , offering a taste of the musical magic to come.

The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.

An Unforgettable Story

Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.

Casting Announcement: Open Call for Talent

At a glittering event in Dubai, the production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life. “This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life. Dubai is a city of dreams for all of us, and this production is a reflection of that thought process. We’re excited to showcase the incredible energy and creativity that this region has to offer,” added Boukris. “This groundbreaking musical will not just be a show but a celebration of Dubai’s status as a global hub for culture and innovation.”

Present at the event, Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said: “ This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience. This collaboration embodies our vision of augmented hospitality by bringing together travel, culture, and entertainment.” He continued: “ For Once Upon a Time, it offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more. For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”

Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end.