If Music Could Talk - July 26, 2015 - Special Guest: Iraqi MC (currently retired) - Ammar Abbas Kadm presents:
If Music Could Talk - July 26, 2015 - Special Guest: Iraqi MC (currently retired) - Ammar Abbas Kadm
If Music Could TalkIf Music Could Talk – July 26, 2015 – Special Guest: Iraqi MC (currently retired) – Ammar Abbas Kadm
This evening at 7pm, I am pleased to invite Ammar Abbas Kadm to be a guest on "If Music Could Talk".
Ammar Abbas Kadm is a 21-year-old underground Iraqi rapper and entertainer, who hails from the religiously conservative Nasiriyah region of Southern Iraq.
Ammar is currently attending VCU through The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program.
Michelle Webb is a student advisor at VCU. She helps run the IRLEP, and also works with the Global Education department. Kairshma, a DJ who has been a guest twice previously on If Music Could Talk, will also be present this evening. She helped with the IYLEP program when she was at VCU. And our very own Paul Ginder of Paul's Boutique on Thursdays assists with this program as well.
Michelle Webb says "The IYLEP program has been running at VCU since 2010, and brings together 25 of the best and brightest young students from all regions of Iraq to work together with American students, to help local Richmond non-profits enhance their social media strategies and expand their reach in our local community. During their brief stay at VCU, Iraqi young leaders are taught about American culture and history, learn how to create community organizations to establish social change in their own communities and participate in conflict resolution and peace building workshops administered by the Richmond Peace Education Center."
"Ammar is the first Iraqi rapper from this region and despite great adversity and threats to his and his family’s lives, continues to be inspired by the beat that plays in his heart." Michelle says.
She continues… "Ammar is undoubtedly one of the most courageous and talented people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His ability to persevere through great odds with a constant smile on his face and his talent to freestyle over the beat of a raindrop inspires myself and those around him, to no ends."
Ammar "re-purposed traditional Iraqi poetry and folktales to create a huge following of fans. Ammar began rapping in 2006 as a way to inspire those around him and learn the English Language, but had to officially retire from rap in 2011, because he did not want to bring more trouble to his religious conservative family." Michelle says.
"Instead of seeing his retirement as a setback, Ammar went on to create his own Youtube channel , which received over 3,000 followers in less than 6 months, without any sponsored postings. This is no small feat for a citizen of Iraq, which has been in turmoil for the last two decades and where adopting Western culture not only makes Ammar an outsider but also brings real physical threats to his life and the lives of those who love and support him. Ammar likens his Youtube show the “Have Fun Show” to the political comedy of John Stewart’s Daily Show. Ammar’s “Have Fun Show” has been a huge success amongst Iraqi youth and his Youtube Channel broadcasts videos in both English and Arabic."
"Ammar is currently at VCU with a special program sponsored by the U.S. State Department, The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). The IYLEP program has been running at VCU since 2010, and brings together 25 of the best and brightest young students from all regions of Iraq to work together with American students, to help local Richmond non-profits enhance their social media strategies and expand their reach in our local community. During their brief stay at VCU, Iraqi young leaders are taught about American culture and history, learn how to create community organizations to establish social change in their own communities and participate in conflict resolution and peace building workshops administered by the Richmond Peace Education Center.
We are so privileged to have Ammar with us at VCU this year. His gallant spirit, travail and determination is a constant source of inspiration to all those who have had the pleasure to come in contact with him. Ammar is a true peace builder within our VCU IYLEP family. Thank you for presenting this opportunity to highlight Ammar’s talent and spirit. We are forever grateful to you and your independent radio station for allowing Ammar to tell his story and showcase his talents. "
Michelle Webb. IYLEP – Virginia Commonwealth University
| Song | Artist | Album | Label | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 |
Playlist:
Playlist temporarily unavailable.
July 26th, 2015
Posted In: Music Shows
View comments