WASLA

We live in a world of silence. Whatever is to be said is noise, and whatever is to be sung is silent. We say we are connected, but who bridges the chasms of silence between us? Who sees opportunity in the alternative? Who are the lines that connect beneath the dots to make poetry? Who are we? We are WASLA, an Arabic word used to express a link, or connection between the seemingly disparate. In a musical context, it means the bridge of a song - a name perfect for us. We are a team of Arabs and Arabists, introverts and extroverts, mad men and suits, lovers and givers that have connected together from across the world to bring a tangible alternative image and weight to the cultural produce of the Arab world. Tired of the same image of yesterday’s palaces turning into rubble to the tune of fear and confusion, tired of the identity of ignorance and arrogance, tired too of the pastime of creative mediocrity, we are on a mission to provide an alternative; to celebrate the timeless connection of the Arab past with its present, its mother-tongue with its youth, and its talent with its audience – for Arabs, and for the world. As a community, we will manifest our journey to connect the dots, spread our message to audiences worldwide, and celebrate the redefinition of what it means to hail from this part of the universe. Through events, talks, publications, feeds and festivals of all art forms and platforms, we will become the forum to see and showcase the Arab cultural alternative, the pins that keep the tent grounded through the winds of change, and the energy powering the music under the bridges.