To tell Mika to the few – very few – who did not yet know him, these words could be used: artist, histrionic, citizen of the world, activist. Born in Beirut, raised in Great Britain before exploring a good part of the globe, the singer-songwriter – beloved presence of our X-Factor – has never backed down, neither in life nor in the course of his career. His battles – against homophobia, against bullying, to raise awareness of dyslexia, just to name a few – he has always carried on with his heart and face.
The 37-year-old is now an ambassador for Indeed’s new campaign in Pride month. #SoundtrackOfEmpathy, which encourages each of us to be ourselves at any time and place, even in the workplace. Mika, to reaffirm the power of music, created a playlist of empathy, and will star in a special concert. On June 24, at 9 pm on Mika’s official YouTube channel, it will be time for an intimate moment and at the same time a virtual and universal embrace. Indeed will also donate $ 40,000 to the Born This Way Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Lady Gaga and a dollar for each stream of the concert, up to $ 40,000.
What does empathy mean?
«It is a very big concept that starts with small gestures. For me, empathy means leaving room for another person’s thoughts, emotions, feelings. Without always making comparisons with one’s own life, without trying to assess whether a person is right or not, simply respecting the life of others without judging ».
How you do it?
«It is essential to feel good about yourself, it allows you to unlock the human and emotional potential of a person. Furthermore, to ask others to show empathy in the gaze they have on you, you must give them the opportunity to know you, you cannot hide ».
What are his little gestures?
«I always go back to music and art. Music and art have this incredible power to generate empathy even when it seems impossible. Among the negative things of the pandemic there was also the closure of museums, theaters, the cancellation of concerts. It is important to go to a concert with 10,000 people you do not know, because without literally understanding what is happening your soul takes inspiration from that collective moment, the wave moves. I like to think that there is a line of world empathy that can connect us all, and during those moments it gets in the way ».
How much did you miss not being able to go on stage during this period?
«I was much more sorry not to be able to be a spectator and that a fan could say ‘I couldn’t listen to your music’, because enriching yourself with art and music is more important than performing».
He has said several times that he was bullied as a kid. Do you think it would still happen today?
“There are places where there is a lot of tolerance, where it is taken into account that we are built on the idea of ​​loving each other and respecting all the different points of view. Then there are other places and other very intolerant points of view. One solution could be to surround yourself with people who understand your life but where this is not the case, you need to feel free to go anywhere and know that respect for you is guaranteed. When a person feels respected it can only cause other good things. Tolerance breeds tolerance, optimism breeds success. Anger, on the other hand, generates division and negativity ».
Was the last time you really felt free?
“Many artists say they feel free on stage, but in my opinion that’s a lie. Because you are already there on a four-meter platform, you have many people in front of you, there is joy, adrenaline, but not total freedom. So let’s forget the stage, for me freedom is music, it’s art, but when I’m a spectator. When I am in a museum and I see something that makes me understand that there is another way to see the world around. Our beliefs are important but they are also a kind of cage ».
How will the concert on June 24th be?
“We shot in New York, Los Angeles and Milan, and I wanted to mix music and talk. I speak and sing, there are colors, music and energy. And then I decided to insert a series of interventions, all on a white background which then becomes colored. There is a waiter, a music agent, a drag queen, who has decided not to drag anymore, but to go back to what he had studied and that is to teach mathematics ».
Does art pass from diversity, from freedom?
«The key is empathy. Empathy is the door to tolerance, having empathy means opening your mind and heart ».
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
