Mercedes Sosa was on the black list

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In Buenos Aires there has been a major discovery of secret documents dating back to the years of military rule in Argentina. ‘The files contain the transcripts of all meetings held by the military junta, which ruled the country from 1976 to 1983, said Defence Minister Agustin Rossi. The documents also name famous artists and intellectuals who were blacklisted. Folk singer Mercedes Sosa, writer Julio Cortazar, tango musician Osvaldo Pugliese and actress Norma Aleandro are among many banned or subjected to censorship for opposing the government’ (BBC News). The documentary Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America of Rodrigo H. Vila is about to premiere in Europe.

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Madonna’s revolution of love

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Last year News and Noise! published an article about the commotion caused by Madonna on her MDNA tour. We were wondering whether she could use her fame to be truly engaged. The answer is yes. She actually started a revolution of love! In an interview with Eddy Moretti (Vice), see video below, she explains how and why. Looking back at the MDNA tour, she noticed signs that made her feel uncomfortable and eager to do something. The tour started in Israel when the threat of war between Israel and Iran emerged. But also the fact that homosexuals are in danger in Iran. In Kiev, the people aren’t allowed to complain about the imprisonment of Yulia Tymoshenko. The arrest of the girls of Pussy Riot, the intolerant gay law in Russia. Back in the USA, the complacency and the disproportionate security. And so on and so further. These signs of oppression made Madonna wanted to fight ignorance, fight for freedom of speech, and encourage people to tell their stories. Together with Steven Klein and Vice, she launched the digital platform: Art for Freedom.

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Letters of morality to Miley Cyrus

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Why should Bruce Springsteen and Sinéad O’Connor bother to write a letter to one of the best selling artists originated from the Walt Disney Company, Miley Cyrus (1992). Is it simply a generation gap, or is there more to it? Cyrus, daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, started her showbiz career in her early childhood. The TV-series Hannah Montana, in which she portrayed the starring character Miley Stewart, became her big breakthrough. Since then her music scores highly in the charts. After her Hannah Montana period Cyrus decides to tear the good-girl-image off. A little bit like Brittney Spears, Lady Gaga, or even Madonna, provocative and sexy. The video clip Wrecking Ball made Bruce Springsteen and Sinéad O’Connor want to give her some lessons in morals. In this article you will find both letters ánd the response of Amanda Palmer to Sinéad O’Connor’s letter.

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Greek hip-hop bands pay tribute to Pavlos Fyssas

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It has already been more than a week ago that the Greek rapper and left-activist Pavlos Fyssas, aka Killah P was stabbed to death by a member of the Golden Dawn (GD).  The GD is a right-wing extremist political organization and political party in Greece. The party won seats in the Greek parliament at last year’s election. They deny any involvement in the killing of Pavlos. After this extremely sad incident thousands of people demonstrated against neo-nazisme. On Tuesday about ten rival hip hop bands in Athens decided to unite against the GD. Michalis Mytakidis, aka B.D. Foxmoor, of Greek band Active Member, spoke to the journalists at a press conference in Athens.

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Elton John not welcome in Russia

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The last time Sir Elton performed in Russia was in December 2010, see poster here on the right. His forthcoming concert in December this year could become a problem. Since the anti-gay law the people seems to be getting more intolerant towards homosexuals. A committee of parents in the Ural region sent an open letter to Putin to complain about the concert: ‘The singer intends to come out in support of local sodomites and break the current Russian law, directed at protecting children.’ (Daily Mail) According to the Guardian the superstar will perform in Russia despite such complaints.  Earlier this month he told the Guardian that he feels an obligation to perform in Russia. “As a gay man, I can’t leave those people on their own without going over there and supporting them.” (The Guardian)
In an interview with NPR’s Terry Gross, Elton John stated last Monday that he wants to support the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community and that he will try to solve this in a diplomatic way.

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