Art 'can't flourish' without backing
Kurdish singer Hamid Banai participates in music concert after hiatus
SULAYMANIYAH — After a hiatus due to financial constraints, renowned singer Hamid Banayi is poised for a return with a concert performance.
“Art can’t flourish without backing. It’s not feasible to fund artistic efforts personally, particularly when it results in no profit and potential losses,” Banayi remarked, voicing his financial hurdles.
The concert, set for next week in Sulaymaniyah, will showcase the Sulaymaniyah Music Home Orchestra, featuring Hamid Banayi and Kamran Mustafa.
In a conversation with 964media, Banayi disclosed his intention to debut three new pieces at the event. He attributed his break to the lack of financial support, emphasizing the negative effects on Kurdish art by those who, though called artists, actually cause harm.
“Some so-called artists are not only non-contributors but also detrimental to Kurdish art. Yet, they receive support that eludes others,” Banayi explained.
Banayi is also focusing on writing several music-related books. “I’ve always been passionate about reading, writing, and translating. My most recent project was translating a music history book for Sardem Publishing House. Spanning 452 pages, it’s a significant work for me.”
“I’m also finalizing ‘An Invitation to Music,’ soon to be released by the same publisher, a work by esteemed Egyptian author Youssef Elsisi, which I’ve translated into Kurdish. I’m undertaking another book on music, addressing the scarcity in Kurdish music literature,” Banayi shared, highlighting his efforts to enrich Kurdish music literature.
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