What does a global health PhD student have in common with two undergrads studying psychology and human behaviour? If you were in the crowd at this year’s World Stage at Mac, you’d know the answer: Music.
In his second set on stage, singer, composer and guitarist Fazle Rabbi invited engineering jazz band members Benjamin Liu and Aadil Ansar to accompany him on the keyboard and drums.
The spontaneous trio performed an original composition in Bengali — a language Liu and Ansar do not speak — creating a magical moment that demonstrated how music and the arts connect us all, regardless of language, culture and distance.
“Bangladesh has a rich and unique culture that blends music, ballads and literature with philosophical reflection,” Rabbi said. “When I sing these original songs, written by myself and my friends, I reconnect with them — my friends, my band, and my home. I feel a deeper emotional connection to them when I perform these songs, knowing what I’ve left behind to study in Canada.”
Left: Sriya Dhanvi Mokhasunavisu performs a Bollywood song on stage. Right: Bangladeshi PhD student Fazle Rabbi performs with engineering jazz band members Benjamin Liu and Aadil Ansar at the World Stage at Mac.
Finding community
World Stage at Mac is a collaboration between the Student Success Centre, McMaster Students Union and McMaster Hospitality Services. This event offers students from a variety of cultures, countries and traditions an opportunity to share their talents with the McMaster community.
“World Stage at Mac celebrates student talent and culture, creating spaces where lived experiences are valued,” says Arlene Fajutrao Dosen, assistant dean and executive director (Student Success). “When students share their gifts, they engage in intercultural learning and build meaningful connections to the McMaster community, embracing their whole, authentic selves.”
A new duo, Team Meli, was formed through World Stage at Mac when Iranian students Alireza Daeijavad and Padideh Esmaeili answered a callout for performers. The pair performed on the santoor and tonbak, traditional Persian instruments.
“We focused on finding a Persian rhythm that would feel familiar even to a global audience,” Daeijavad said.
Connection and pride
Sriya Dhanvi Mokhasunavisu, a fourth-year student from India, arrived dressed for the occasion in a red sari. Her upbeat performance of Bollywood love song Tum Se Hi was her chance to share a piece of her culture.
“Performing is my way of connecting with more people and taking part in the community. I can emotionally connect to people through the music, regardless of the languages we speak.”
Diella Barihuta, a fourth-year student from Burundi, was thrilled to have a chance to take part in the showcase. Performing as Ayinkamiye Maricia, Barihuta shared her Burundi culture through singing, dancing and fashion.
“Growing up, I would always sing and dance with my mom,” Barihuta explained. “I speak Kirundi but needed to refresh my reading and writing skills to translate it for my performance.
“Learning this song helped me reclaim a part of me that is so easy to forget. I’m proud to have this chance to perform and share a piece of my culture before I graduate.”