Karachi: The 11th day of the World Culture Festival 2025 was marked by a vibrant array of events, including a discussion session titled “Global Harmony Art as a Universal Language,” the Latin American Shorts Showcase featuring seven films, an interactive music workshop by internationally acclaimed Canadian DJ Mixwell, and a captivating theatrical performance “Eurythmy” by the West Midlands Stage Group. The day began with the thought-provoking session “Global Harmony Art as a Universal Language,” attended by international artists including Eva Klesse (Germany) , Mixwell (Guatemala/Canada) , Karen Houge (Norway) , and Liboi (Kenya) .
The session was moderated by Kaif Ghaznavi. Speaking at the session, DJ Mixwell said that “musicians collectively create a note that we feel deeply. Every culture has its own rhythm, but the sounds we hear evoke the essence of nature and our surroundings, whether it’s the sounds of the forest, water, or city noise, all can become part of music.” He added that every rhythm we play or hear is connected to the earth, with each beat serving a distinct purpose. Liboi from Kenya shared that instruments have the power to connect people. “Cultural instruments are often played with spiritual inspiration; their sound reminds us of who we are and where we come from,” she said. “Through my art, I represent Kenya to the world.” Karen Houge from Norway noted that harmony requires balance between different elements “We must control our rhythm and channel our energy into performance.
I not only observe my own rhythm but also read the audience’s response.” She emphasized that “not everyone speaks English, but kindness and humanity are universal languages.” Eva Klesse from Germany expressed that “music is life itself, we must listen and practice together. The human voice and the drums speak a universal language.” She shared that she adapts her drumming according to her mood, circumstances, and audience. The Latin American Shorts Showcase featured seven thought-provoking films, including: “LOLO” (Mexico) by Ana Gabriela Gutiérrez Salgado , “The Boy, The Recruit and The Sergeant” (Brazil) by Daniel Chagas Martins , “Finnish and Paranoid Dream” (Argentina) by Jimena Aguilar , “Back to You” (Chile) by Martina Zoe Díaz , “Dare: Code Red” (Uruguay) by Andrés Magnone , “Women of Thread” (Bolivia) by Neysa Rivadineira and Dino Garzoni , “San Antonio de los Altos: Raíces” (Venezuela) by Sebastian González . The showcase reflected the cultural, artistic, and political journeys of Latin America through themes of tradition, dreams, and creative resistance. Later, during the Music Workshop, DJ Mixwell introduced young musicians and music enthusiasts to modern beat-making techniques and creative sound design. He explained that “the art of beat-making begins with a specific structure, starting slow and gradually building energy to engage the audience. A DJ must skillfully mix all elements with clarity and purpose.” Mix well further shared insights from his musical journey:
“I began with classical music and transitioned into jazz. Sometimes, shifting from soft beats to deep beats is essential to maintain rhythm and energy.” The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from young musicians and music lovers. The evening concluded with a mesmerizing theatrical performance by the West Midlands Stage Group, titled “Erisychthon.” Artists from the UK, Finland, New Zealand, and Germany brought to life a modern retelling of Roman poet Ovid’s tale through expressive movement and live music. Performed with live oboe accompaniment, “Erisychthon” tells the story of a man consumed by greed, who destroys sacred forests for profit —only to face the terrible curse of eternal hunger from the goddess Ceres. The performance, delivered through the poetic lens of Ted Hughes, resonated deeply with modern environmental themes, offering both reflection and subtle British humor. The audience responded with great admiration, applauding the performers for their powerful expressions, dynamic choreography, and emotionally charged storytelling
