Solidarity with Kapilbastu concert

Confusion, fear, distrust, anger, hopelessness were feelings that went through the veins of many people in the days after the violent incidents in Kapilbastu mid February. What happened to the lives of the tens of thousands of villagers who were displaced from their homes, the people from the hundreds of houses which were burnt down, and the remaining family members of the forty-six people who got killed? Many did probably also ask themselves whether these incidents would set new standards for an already violent and escalating conflict, or if it was a one-time incident.

At Radio Lumbini we were also shocked and concerned by the incidents at our neighbours and conversations with members from our listeners clubs showed they also were anxious. We experienced, though, it was difficult to express the reactions to the incidents and many were left with a “ke garne?” to the very uncertain situation. The overall reaction, however, was that we could not continue as if nothing had happened. We had to do something.

To make a coordinated and joint effort in support and solidarity with our neighbours in Kapilbastu, Radio Lumbini decided to invite their listeners clubs to a seminar to discuss how to express and show solidarity with the people of Kapilbastu. At the meeting we decided to organise a solidarity musical open air concert on June 4th where a variety of local and national known musicians would perform and express their solidarity. Music and art is sometimes useful when words alone become meaningless or difficult to express.

The concert had two main objectives; to promote the notion of solidarity, and to raise funds for the affected people of the violent incidents in Kapilbastu.

Through contacts in Kathmandu we got in touch with well-known bands and singers. Most expressed a positive attitude and support for the idea and so did local musicians. The encounters with the artists were very encouraging and helped us to believe our idea was possible to materialise.

In Butwal and Bhairahawa we started to look for sponsorships to cover our investments for the concert - not an easy task in times where many businesses strive to make their own survival. MS made a generous contribution and a local offset company kindly printed 3,000 tickets, charging only the cost of the paper. The sale of tickets turned out to be very challenging, but applying different strategies such as “push sell” and support from the police in selling our tickets, we managed to sell 1,127 tickets. June 4th was slowly but surely approaching and we became increasingly ready to receive our five star-singers from Kathmandu and the audience.

On the day of the concert tension was high. In the short history of Radio Lumbini this surely was the first time we had organised such big an event. Were we able to manage?

In the morning our guest stars from Kathmandu went live in the radio, allowing fans and listeners to call in and ask questions. They seemed to enjoy attending their local fans, happily answering all kinds of questions and explaining their reason for their visit.

Later at 3:30 PM the concert was due to start and with some delay the first artist was ready to go on stage. A light blue and white striped tent was placed on stage as protection for sun and rain and our banner “Solidarity Musical Programme” turned the stage into a beautiful scene. However, as strong winds started to set in we had to remove the tent again - it became a truly open air concert. Eleven bands and singers performed everything from folk music to heavy metal, and the audience looked like they were enjoying it; allowing themselves to flow with the music.

Radio Lumbini seemed to successfully have created a room for solidarity and joy where people willingly entered - a room outside space and time where new inspiration and ideas could enter without censorship, concern or restrictions.