Nazo Bravo Joins Viza For Social Justice Concert

LOS ANGELES - April 23, 2013 - PRLog -- The annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide is underway, with April 24 being the day where candles are lit and thousands of Armenians march through their respective communities across the world to recognize and remember those lost in the Armenian Genocide of the early 20th century.   In Los Angeles, Armenian organizations like the UYA and AYF organize massive marches through the streets of Hollywood protesting America’s decision to not recognize the Armenian massacre of 1915 as an actual genocide.  In recent years, this protest is followed by a special benefit concert in Hollywood called Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth!  

Already in its fifth year, the concert has gained attention in the overall effort to raise awareness of the Genocide within Los Angeles.  This year, LA based rapper Nazo Bravo will join Viza, Hotel Sleep, Blackmore, The Dirty Diamond, Hooshere, Ayline, Heibert, String Harmonies and Bei Ru at the El Rey Theatre.  Proceeds from the concert will also be donated to the AYF Youth Corps Program and to the Orran Charity.  Orran, which translates to “haven” in Armenian, provides food, health, and social services, along with cultural and academic enrichment for vulnerable communities in Yerevan, Armenia.  AYF Youth Corps allows Diasporan Armenian youth volunteers to visit Armenia and engage underprivileged youth through educational assistance and rebuilding schools, camps and churches.  

Headlining band Viza has put together the event from the beginning.  Vocalist K'noup Tomopoulos has stated "When I began this event 5 years ago my intention was to bring awareness to the Armenian Genocide through the mode of music.  Being Greek I also understand what it means for Armenians as my ancestors were also oppressed by the atrocious Ottoman Empire.  This common bond we have brings us all together to remember those that lost their lives on April 24, 1915."  Fellow band member Andrew Kzirian adds, “Over the past several years, we’ve really worked hard to bring the community and a host of organizations together with artists to create a positive atmosphere of commemoration and celebration. Through this unity and solidarity we spread a message about the importance of ending denial of the Armenian Genocide, while contributing to needy charities.”

Nazo Bravo, whose music video HyePower has received acclaim for leading the audience through Armenian history, the Genocide, and the present day mindset of Armenian youth in LA, also commented, “One of the core elements of my artistry is sharing my culture, and the Armenian Genocide is so deeply woven into our fabric that you can’t help but include it in the picture.  My song HyePower is one of my more popular works because no matter where I perform it, whether it’s within or beyond the Armenian community, the crowd responds because they see where I’m coming from.  I perform that song year round, not just around April 24, but to be able to perform it on the actual day of the commemoration at Silence The Lies with Viza and everyone else involved is just an honor and I’m humbled to be a part of it this year.”

For tickets to the concert visit http://silencethelies.com/.