The term superstars is usually associated with filmdom and fanfare, but ask Youtube sensation, performing artiste and certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator Wilbur Sargunaraj what it means and he will convince you everyone is a “Simple Superstar”.
Rising to fame in his music video ‘Love Marriage’ the frontrunner of the theme ‘making the common extra-ordinary’ is making headlines with his latest EP Migrants that dwells on the global refugee crisis.
While the international launch took place in Nuuk, Greenland, the India premiere will take place in Bengaluru this weekend followed by a Canadian launch in Saskatchewan and a European launch in Oslo. Part of the proceeds from concerts and music sales will support refugees.
The international launch was exciting in many ways, recalls Wilbur, “Once again in ‘Simple Superstar Style’, we launched the album, not in an elegant theatre or world renowned concert hall, but at a small first class Youth Centre in Greenland that works to empower students and teens. I was one of the very few Indian artistes performing at this festival, which sees over 200 Scandinavian bands from around the world.”
The multi-faceted artiste also turned 40 this year and decided to take time to reflect on what’s really important in life. “I keep coming back to relationships and leaving a legacy for the next generation. I realise that these things are so much more important than title and status and this has fuelled me to stay focused on creating content that is meaningful.”
Elaborating Wilbur says, “Over 3,500 people died in 2016 trying to make the deadly Mediterranean crossing just to flee from war. At the same time, countries were closing borders to people who needed to be protected. I wanted to write a song that would challenge us to face our bias to people who we perceive as being ‘different’. They are fellow humans and need our help desperately. Though the title track focuses on the refugee crisis, the EP has six other tracks that are unique in their own way but deal with the theme of movement.”
Wilbur says it is incredible when one can use music as a means to cross barriers and break walls. “I have seen first-hand how music can be used as a beautiful and natural way to start a conversation when words fail. In addition to my music, I am always excited to take my message across the world in the hopes of inspiring the common person to know that they are ‘Simple Superstars’ and that they can achieve greatness by loving and serving their fellow human beings no matter where they come from, what religion they belong to or the colour of their skin. That’s what the Migrants EP is about.”
In store for the Bengaluru launch, Wilbur says, will be stories from the Souda Refugee camp in Chios, Greece where the title track was filmed. “We will be having a live auction of a Wilbur merchandise package which includes lungi pants, shirts, autographed drumsticks and much more. The funds raised will go to the NGO Drapen I Havet who are helping refugees in Greece.”
He will be performing songs from the new EP including the much anticipated, ‘Annie Rose’ (A song about my eighth standard crush in Madurai) and a new song I wrote in Portuguese. This will be a typical Wilbur interactive concert where you can dance to some old Wilbur classics. I also have some guests, Crysolin Gracy on vocals and Leslie Joy Alex on Guitar, who will be joining me for an unplugged set and opening stand-up act by Naveen Richard. In short it’s going to be a bunch of ‘Simple Superstars’ getting together, dancing, singing, inspiring one another and having much fun!”
So why choose Bengaluru for the India launch? Wilbur says with pride: “Bengaluru has always had a special place in my heart, minus the brutal traffic. I have many special memories from launching the Simple Superstar album on Women’s Day in 2011 to doing the audio launch of the Simple Superstar movie in 2013. Also since I have so many dear friends in the city, it’s an excuse for us to get together and have a first class time! Just a heads up – You might see a group of people running around the city in lungi pants on November 24! We are filming a music video for one of the songs from the new EP and if you see us, please stop by and say hi. And if you want a pair of lungi pants, come to the show! I only have 15 set aside for the event.”
The launch concert is on November 25 from 9.30 pm onwards at Pablos Gastrobar, Whitefield. The album is available across digital platforms. Visit www.wilbur.asia for more.