Stories about Arts & Culture from February, 2024
Award-winning documentary ‘The Territory’ recounts the struggles and resilience of Indigenous Brazilians
The film recounts the struggle of the Indigenous Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau people, in Rondônia state in northern Brazil, to defend the territory against invasions from land grabbers and farmers.
‘Am Abgrund’: The story of Azerbaijan's influence in Europe
The movie, which exposes corruption both within Azerbaijan and in numerous European countries, comes at a time of deteriorating ties between Azerbaijan and the West.
Hong Kong: Annual prophesy says ‘all efforts will be in vain’ this year of the Dragon
Some prophecy interpreters refrained from presenting their readings to the public out of fear that negative comments on Hong Kong may cause trouble.
Jamaican musicians and fans shocked at passing of soulful roots reggae singer ‘Peetah’ Morgan at age 46
The group became known globally as a “conscious” reggae band, with lyrics infused with social awareness backed by roots reggae rhythms.
Natural disasters in Mongolia grow worse and threaten the future of nomadic way of life
Although it is animals that die during dzud, these disasters affect the entire nation.
Which local language is most widely spoken in Togo?
Officially, Togo has two national languages: Éwé and Kabyé. But neither of those is the language that's most widely spoken in the country.
Indonesian presidential winner charms youth vote with dances, TikTok, and cats
The winner of Indonesia's presidential election courted the archipelago's youth vote with catchy music, TikTok dances, and photos of cats. However, some aren't forgetting his previous human rights abuses.
One man is trying to save a language in Bangladesh with only six native speakers
Currently, only six people, all aged over 60, can speak the ethnic Renmingtca language well. If they die, the language and culture will be lost from Bangladesh.
A deep dive into the musical repertoire of Turkmenistan’s national leader
A major part of Berdimukhamedov’s personality cult has been his musical career.
Flying fish and bearded fig trees are on the decline in Barbados
Flying fish landings have reportedly decreased by almost 50 percent since 2011, and without strategic conservation measures, Barbados could see the bearded fig tree disappear from the landscape.
Latin America's newest export: Narcoculture
How much truth is there in pop culture romanticizing or even glorifying drug dealers? Where does freedom of expression end and apology for crime begin?
For nomads in Mongolia, roaming is a sacred right
The Mongols say that this is why freedom is in their blood.
Palestinian writer Randa Jarrar dragged out of PEN America event for protesting
Palestinian American author Randa Jarrar was forcibly removed for disrupting ceasefire opponent Mayim Bialik by reading the names of Palestinian writers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
A platform tries to map the reduction of artistic freedom in Brazil
The idea arose following the boycott and closure of the Queermuseu exhibition in 2017 in Porto Alegrel. On social networks, conservative groups protested against the exhibition.
Portraits of exile: Musical resistance to oppression from Iranian singer Faravaz
Faravaz defied borders and societal norms, moving from early recognition in Iran to facing backlash, exile, and activism in Germany. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of Iranian women against oppression.
How Rwanda's literary giants promoted their country's rich culture through their work
Alexis Kagame, the first and last Rwandan intellectual with direct access to the original sources of the country's history, contributed significantly to preserving oral history, and the indigenous language, Kinyarwanda.
‘The bass is the backbone': Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, bass player for Jamaica's iconic ‘Wailers’ band, passes away at 77
"[T]he world lost not just an iconic musician and the backbone of The Wailers but a remarkable human being whose legacy is as immense as his talent."
