Singapore
How wonderful it is to see the “Mozart of Madras,” the incomparable A.R. Rahman win two Oscars for his musical score for Slumdog Millionaire. The CD has completely sold out on this island just one day after Rahman’s well-deserved recognition by Hollywood.
As an African-American President of the United States attempts a political, financial and moral recovery like no other, our nation now finds an appetite to award Oscars to three Muslims including Rahman, his lyricist Gulzar and soundman Resul Pookutty. It is a hopeful moment. Maybe we can move beyond ourselves.
Peter Gabriel’s work provided my first introduction to the musical diaspora represented by Sufi-convert-from-Hinduism Rahman and others. The blend of Sufi mysticism, Afro-pop, Arab hip-hop, Tamil folk, western rock and much more conveys an energy that one readily feels in Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai and Istanbul these days. It sure beats the Gordon Lightfoot muzak playing here at the Sheraton Grand Towers. Salamat!
p.s. Try the murtabak (chicken, onion, garlic and spices in traditional Malay bread with curry sauce) at Zam Zam on Arab Street across from the Sultan Mosque here, where there are no Americans or Europeans to be found anywhere.
Scenes from Singapore's Chinatown.
How wonderful it is to see the “Mozart of Madras,” the incomparable A.R. Rahman win two Oscars for his musical score for Slumdog Millionaire. The CD has completely sold out on this island just one day after Rahman’s well-deserved recognition by Hollywood.
As an African-American President of the United States attempts a political, financial and moral recovery like no other, our nation now finds an appetite to award Oscars to three Muslims including Rahman, his lyricist Gulzar and soundman Resul Pookutty. It is a hopeful moment. Maybe we can move beyond ourselves.
Peter Gabriel’s work provided my first introduction to the musical diaspora represented by Sufi-convert-from-Hinduism Rahman and others. The blend of Sufi mysticism, Afro-pop, Arab hip-hop, Tamil folk, western rock and much more conveys an energy that one readily feels in Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai and Istanbul these days. It sure beats the Gordon Lightfoot muzak playing here at the Sheraton Grand Towers. Salamat!
p.s. Try the murtabak (chicken, onion, garlic and spices in traditional Malay bread with curry sauce) at Zam Zam on Arab Street across from the Sultan Mosque here, where there are no Americans or Europeans to be found anywhere.
Scenes from Singapore's Chinatown.
