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A global interfaith open mic, Lyrical Pilgrimage returns with ‘The Vision of Love’, bringing artists together to explore unity through creative expression.
By YASEEN BARDIEN
As conflict and division continue to dominate global discourse, a South African-led creative platform is inviting audiences into a space centred on love, unity and human connection.
Lyrical Pilgrimage, an interfaith open mic initiative organised by Rahasia Mafiusa NPO, is hosting its latest edition on Sunday, May 3 at 17:00 under the theme ‘The Vision of Love’.
The initiative forms part of Rahasia Mafiusa NPO’s broader vision to bridge divided communities shaped by South Africa’s history of segregation.
The event is inclusive, bringing together artists, speakers and participants from across the globe, featuring poetry, music, visual art and spoken word, while creating space for voices from different faiths and cultural traditions.
Audiences will be more than just spectators; they are invited to take part, sharing their own creative work during the open mic segment.
Now marking more than a decade since its founding, the platform has grown from a small creative initiative into an international gathering that blends artistic expression with interfaith dialogue.
Event organiser, Nusaybah Nina Alexia Brazzo, said the initiative was created to establish a ‘safe, sacred and sober’ environment for people seeking alternative spaces to share their work.
‘I started the open mic called Lyrical Pilgrimage because I identified that there was a need to have a halal, safe, sober space for spiritual seekers to be able to express themselves freely.’
She added that many creatives lack the space and platform to express themselves, resulting in their work being left unseen.
‘People had written stories, poetry and art that were in drawers that no one had ever heard about before because they didn’t have the appropriate space.’
‘My fellow truth seekers want to share from their heart.’
The theme for this edition, ‘The Vision of Love’, is shaped by reflection on current global realities, including conflict and humanitarian crises.
Brazzo referred to the ongoing oppression under occupation in Palestine and broader global tensions as part of the context shaping the event.
Rather than treating love as purely emotional, Brazzo describes it as something expressed through action and everyday interaction.
‘Love is not just a feeling, it’s in actions and words,’ she said.
The theme is explored through three featured international contributors, each approaching the theme from a distinct perspective.
Reverend Berry Behr, a Cape Town-based interfaith minister and global interfaith ambassador, will present a reflection on love as an active and lived experience, drawing on her work in interfaith dialogue and community engagement.
Behr’s work weaves together pilgrimage, storytelling and community dialogue, creating spaces where people can meet and rediscover the deeper unity that connects us.
‘The space that I hope to create is one of deep reflection and something that people can take away that enhances not only the way they think about their lives and their role in their communities, but also helps them to become clear and more aligned with the truth of their own being.’
She emphasised that love should be lived and embodied, rather than understood as only an emotion.
‘We say, I’m falling in love because falling, if you think about it, it’s undignified, isn’t it? I would rather we think about rising together in love.’
She also emphasised the importance of returning to a shared humanity, particularly in divided societies.
Her contribution leans into introspection, challenging audiences to rethink their understanding of love.
Indonesian musician Wima Brahmantya will contribute a live piano performance, featuring an original composition inspired by a Quranic message on human connection.
‘The song was inspired by one verse in the Quran about how Allah SWT created humanity to know each other.’
Brahmantya brings more than a decade of experience in cultural festivals in Indonesia, where he has worked to bring together local and international artists through shared creative spaces.
Through his work, Brahmantya connects artists and communities across cultures and religions, using festivals and shared cultural spaces to encourage dialogue and understanding.
He said art serves as a connection across cultures.
‘It’s always about harmony, about love and about how we know each other.’
He also pointed to historical and cultural links between Indonesia and South Africa, highlighting a long-standing relationship between the two regions.
Despite the event taking place online, Brahmantya said the opportunity to participate in an international platform remains significant.
‘I’m always excited for international cultural activity.’
Also featured is Shaykh Rakin Niass Fetuga, a UK-based relationship coach, educator and author of Getting Ready for Love, who will offer a practical perspective on love, focusing on relationships, marriage and personal development.
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Drawing on his years of experience in the field, he is expected to share insights and excerpts from his work, including his book.
Brazzo said the event’s strength lies in its ability to bring together different forms of expression across languages and cultures.
‘When I learn your life and I learn your pain and struggles, I learn your triumphs and then I can start to have compassion for you.’
In a world that has been defined by division throughout history, Lyrical Pilgrimage continues to position itself as a space for dialogue, reflection and connection across borders.
Those interested in joining can contact the organisers via email at openmic920@gmail.com or message 082 071 9414.
Alternatively, you can use this link to book directly: https://qkt.io/Visionofloveopenmic
