“Erbil city has been quiet for so long and we are working to create some entertainment activities that will engage more of the young Kurdish generation,” Gezim Mustafa, CEO of event host Vuca Agency, told Rudaw English.
“We believe this event will change the mood of the people. At least they can have a little fun and forget about their problems and politics,” he added.
Super Sako, who was born Sarkis Balasanyan in Armenia before immigrating to California, rose to fame in 2016 with his song ‘Mi Gna’ meaning ‘Don’t Go’ in Armenian. The song is a mix of both Armenian and English lyrics including vocals by Armenian rabiz singer Spitakci Hayko.
Initially uploaded to YouTube on August 17, 2016 without a music video, the song became an instant hit in Armenia, among the Armenian diaspora, in Turkey, and across the Middle East. The clip has clocked up nearly 174 million views since.
“We will also give an opportunity to Kurdish local singers to perform in front of their fans,” Mustafa said.
Organizers are expecting a crowd of 1,000 people from across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
“We know that life in the Kurdistan Region is not easy and is stressful,” Mustafa said. “I believe that these kinds of events are needed more and these activities will create joy and happiness for young people, at least for a short time.”
The concert will be held at the Erbil International Fair in Sami Abdulrahman Park on August 30. Tickets are available for purchase in Erbil, Duhok and Sulaimani, with locations to be announced at a later date. They can also be purchased on the Vuca Agency’s website.
