Events Embracing Tunes and Political Empowerment - "Jamel brings the energy to the forest, backed by 3,500 passionate supporters"
The spectacular show by the Fantastic Four entertained festival-goers at the "Jamel rocks the Förster" event in the tiny Mecklenburg town of Jamel. The hip-hop group performed for approximately 3,500 fans who had gathered at the previous forest lodge in Nordwestmecklenburg. The festival, backed by Minister President Manuela Schwesig and State Parliament President Birgit Hesse, was officially launched on Friday by Interior Minister Christian Pegel and Culture Minister Bettina Martin (both SPD).
Established in 2007 by Hamburg natives Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, this music and cultural festival aim to counter right-wing extremism. Since the early 90s, the nearby village of Gägelow, with a population under 40, has been a stronghold for neo-Nazis. Rhett Walker, a band member and rapper, expressed gratitude to the Lohmeyer family for promoting love during trying times, earning loud cheers from the crowd.
Culture Minister Martin returned to the festival on Saturday and honored the Schwerin Goethe-Gymnasium's dance theater with the "Birgit & Horst Lohmeyer Democracy Prize," valued at 1,000 euros. The Lysistrate Theater, founded in 1991, has explored German history extensively, most recently through a play about a Jewish dancer imprisoned in Auschwitz. Martin believed that culture plays an essential role in combating extremism. "This festival boldly affirms that countless individuals support an inclusive, tolerant, democratic society," she stated.
The Fantastic Four applauded the region's dedication to right-wing nationalist ideals, saying, "It pains us to see personal freedom being eroded in Germany as evident in Jamel."
Chemnitz pop band "Trenen" and musician Olli Schulz from Hamburg took the stage before the Fantastic Four. Schulz, age 50, urged young listeners, "I hope the children of those people over there are hearing us now, because hate isn't necessary in your lives." festival organizers prohibited right-wing radicals from entering the premises.
Mysterious individuals purloined flags
"Saturday was nearly flawless, with a thrilling lineup and captivating atmosphere," a representative for the organizers said. Performances by Element of Crime and Selig were highlights. "Regrettably, the right-wing extremist neighbors once again exhibited their small-mindedness through idiotic provocations and petty crimes, such as theft," the representative lamented.
Police reported that the festival proceeded harmoniously. Four flags were reported stolen, one displaying the message "No Way for Nazis." The police spokesperson declined to speculate on the thieves' motivations, with investigations ongoing.
Olli Schulz delivered a powerful message to the young audience, urging them against hate and promoting unity. During the festival, renowned performer Olli Schulz from Hamburg shared the stage with Chemnitz pop band "Trenen".
