标签： Africa

In a remarkable display of resilience and cultural pride, the ancient city of Timbuktu, Mali, hosted a vibrant fashion event titled the ‘Caravan for Peace.’ The two-day showcase, held in an open field on the city’s outskirts, featured young models adorned in colorful traditional attire, symbolizing hope and unity in a region long plagued by jihadi violence. Renowned African fashion designer Sidi Ahmed Seidina Ali, popularly known as Alphadi, spearheaded the event, urging Timbuktu natives to return and contribute to the city’s revival. ‘Let us all come! All those born in Timbuktu, return to your homeland, return to your hometown to work and show that this city is magical,’ Alphadi passionately declared. The event, organized in collaboration with local authorities, highlighted the creativity of dozens of local designers and models, many of whom have endured the scars of conflict. Timbuktu, once a pre-colonial hub of Islamic learning, has faced years of attacks by the al-Qaida-linked JNIM militant group. While authorities report improved security, sporadic violence persists, as evidenced by a recent attack on Malian army positions. Alphadi, a native of Timbuktu and a celebrated figure in African fashion, emphasized the importance of peace and the potential of young talents. ‘Modernity is not only in Paris, not only in New York, not only in Japan. Modernity is also here at home,’ he asserted, calling for mutual understanding and harmony. Local officials lauded the event as a step toward restoring Timbuktu’s former glory. Issaka Nazoum, president of the Regional Council of Timbuktu, described the caravan as a call for ‘social cohesion and living together.’ The fashion show not only celebrated Mali’s rich cultural heritage but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of its people.

Wahaj Ali, a prominent figure in Pakistani television, has carved a niche for himself with his versatile performances in dramas like ‘Tere Bin’ and ‘Jo Bichar Gaye’. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Ali has consistently chosen roles that challenge the norm, from the bitter yet witty Basim in ‘Ishq Jalebi’ to the intense and conflicted leader in ‘Jo Bichar Gaye’. His latest venture, ‘Jin Ki Shadi Un Ki Shadi’, a horror-comedy, marks a departure from his usual serious roles, showcasing his commitment to diversity and innovation in his craft.

In a recent interview, Ali opened up about his journey, the challenges of the Pakistani drama industry, and his creative philosophy. He emphasized the importance of choosing scripts that resonate with him, regardless of their commercial appeal. ‘I don’t care if it’s a big ‘banner’ project or not,’ he stated. ‘My strength lies in playing different, performance-oriented characters.’

Ali also highlighted the scarcity of good writers in the industry, noting that actors often bear the brunt of criticism when a project fails, despite their efforts to salvage poorly written scripts. ‘Actors are merely tools,’ he remarked. ‘If the direction or the story isn’t good, it can be challenging to showcase your craft.’

Reflecting on his career, Ali shared that every failure has been a learning opportunity. ‘You don’t learn a lot from success,’ he said. ‘The fear and the want are essential. The important thing is not to know what to do, but to know what not to do.’

Looking ahead, Ali is working on a couple of scripts that he hopes will further enhance his craft. ‘I don’t have any dream project,’ he admitted. ‘Whenever I work on a project, I turn it into a dream project.’

Ali also expressed his admiration for Dubai, which he considers a second home for many Pakistanis. ‘The infrastructure, safety, and variety of experiences in Dubai set it apart from many cities,’ he said. ‘It’s amazing how the city adapts to weather changes and offers multiple indoor options.’