jpost.com
Israeli Singer's Music Becomes Testimony of National Healing
Filipino-Israeli singer Howie, initially a Rising Star contestant, now uses his music as a form of prayer and national healing after October 7, 2023, attacks, as expressed in his song "Only 9", which tells the story of a boy who lost his parents.
- How does Howie's music serve as a form of national healing in the wake of the October 7th attacks?
- Howie, a Filipino-Israeli singer, found solace in music from a young age, using it to cope with feelings of displacement. After October 7th, 2023 attacks, his music shifted focus, becoming a form of testimony and national healing, as exemplified by his song "Only 9," which tells the story of a boy who lost his parents.
- What role did Howie's participation in Rising Star play in shaping his artistic journey and current musical expression?
- Howie's musical journey reflects a personal transformation, evolving from performance-driven aspirations to a spiritually-rooted expression of faith and national identity. His conversion to Judaism and the events of October 7th deeply influenced his artistic direction, transforming his music into a form of prayer and communal healing.
- How might Howie's unique blend of musical styles and spiritual message influence the evolving landscape of Israeli music and its reflection of national identity?
- Howie's music offers a unique perspective on the post-October 7th landscape in Israel, showcasing the power of personal narrative to foster communal healing. His blend of gospel and Jewish influences creates a new artistic expression, potentially influencing future musical trends reflecting national identity and faith.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes Howie's personal journey of faith and healing as central to his music and its impact. This is evident in the headline and the introductory paragraphs, which focus on his emotional transformation. While this angle is compelling, it might overshadow the musical quality or other aspects of his art. The narrative emphasizes the 'national healing' aspect, potentially prioritizing a specific interpretation of his music's significance.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, though words like "substance" and "spectacle" carry implicit value judgments. The description of Howie's music as "testimony" and his conversion to Judaism as an element contributing to his musical style subtly frames his faith as central to his artistic merit. While this is accurate to the narrative, it might not be universally applicable in assessing artistic value.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Howie's personal journey and its connection to the October 7th attacks, but it omits discussion of other musical artists or responses to the tragedy. While focusing on one artist provides depth, it might unintentionally create a skewed perspective of the overall artistic response to the event. The lack of comparative analysis of other musicians' work in relation to the October 7th attacks is a notable omission.
False Dichotomy
The article subtly presents a dichotomy between the superficiality of Eurovision and the deeper meaning of Howie's music. While this contrast highlights Howie's unique approach, it risks oversimplifying the diversity of artistic expression and the motivations of Eurovision contestants. There's an implication that Eurovision is only about 'spectacle' while ignoring other artists' personal motivations or social commentary within their music.
Sustainable Development Goals
Howie's music serves as a form of communal healing in Israel following the October 7 attacks. His songs, such as "Only 9," process the trauma experienced by survivors and promote reconciliation and understanding. This contributes to fostering peace and justice within Israeli society by providing a platform for shared emotional experience and promoting resilience.