The launch of the Srinagar Open Mic, an initiative by the Danish Manzoor Legacy Foundation, marked a historic evening for art and culture in Kashmir. Held at Zero Bridge Rajbagh, this impromptu event showcased the raw talent of Kashmiri youth through poetry, music, rap, and stand-up comedy, drawing applause from locals and tourists alike.
Aftab Hussain, a local passerby, was captivated by the performances: “I was walking by, crossing over to the other side of the old Zero Bridge, and I was so delighted to hear such melodious voices from Kashmir participating here. Instead of heading home, I stuck around for almost two hours to listen to this beautiful music. I hardly felt like I am in Kashmir. It was amazing.”
Tourists also joined in the celebration, with one couple recalling how the music inspired them to dance. “It was such a beautiful moment, and we thought we were on the streets of Europe. As we heard the music, we thought of shaking a leg and dancing together as a couple. It became a memorable moment for us as this was our first trip to Kashmir,” they said.
The Srinagar Open Mic has been envisioned as a platform to amplify the voices of young artists in the Valley, offering them opportunities to shine and connect with audiences. This debut event was a proof of concept, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for such initiatives.
Tanveer Hussain Khan, Director of the foundation, shared his thoughts on the event: “A bunch of youngsters approached us with the idea, and we thought that we must provide a platform to young artists in the Valley. As a proof of concept, we did this small impromptu event, and looking at its success, it is clear that the people have spoken. In the days to come, once we officially launch, more such events will be organized in the Valley, giving a platform to our artists, poets, singers, musicians, and art and craft workers.”
The Danish Manzoor Legacy Foundation, led by international journalist and social advocate Danish Manzoor Bhat, seeks to empower communities through initiatives like the Srinagar Open Mic. The foundation also plans to introduce projects in cultural preservation, skill development, and sustainable practices to uplift the region.
With plans to open registrations for both artists and audiences, the Srinagar Open Mic is poised to become a cultural cornerstone in Kashmir. Its success signals a renewed commitment to fostering creativity and celebrating the Valley’s rich artistic heritage.