Aimed at creating awareness on alarming case of suicide and mental health among resettled Bhutanese in the United States, the community artists have been gearing up in organizing a music event and information-sharing event on Feb. 28, in Akron, Ohio.
Named as the “Stop Suicide Project“, the event would mark a release of a thematic music video on suicide prevention and mental health, according to the event coordinator and composer Amber Subba.
“Through the medium of music, we seek to encourage dialogue in the Bhutanese community about mental health issues,” said Subba, explaining the main objective of the event.
The song in the yet to be released music video was jointly written and composed by Subba and two other singers, Kishor Siwakoti and Arjun Rasaily. It was arranged, recorded and mixed my Kamal Rai.
Rasaily said, “We will be really happy if the music is shared and reached to all our people.”
Siwakoti told Bhutan News Service that around a dozen of Bhutanese singers have collaborated in production of this music video, presented by Menuka Memorial Foundation and Filmed by Atlanta-based Rhythm Screen Creation.
The Menuka Memorial Foundation, a non-profit formed by singer Siwakoti in the memory of his mother Menuka, Druk Fusion Band, and International Institute of Akron, Rhythm Screen Creations among others have been collaborating for the event.
According to Siwakoti, the event has been made possible by the contributions of supporters and donors. “The project committee would like to thank all the donors and artists for all their valuable contributions.”
A number of artists from various states are also reported to have confirmed their performances during event, which is free to public.
Meanwhile, various mental health experts and community leaders would also do presentations on mental health issues. There will also be two representatives from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
The program has been scheduled for this Saturday at North High School (985 Gorge Boulevard, Akron, OH 44310) from 2:00 p.m EST. (Door opens at 1:00 p.m.).
