Kansai Gaidai University to Host Free Public Lectures on Latin American Social Change and Music on May 29 and June 19

The Ibero-America Research Center at Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata City, Osaka) will host a free two-part public lecture series titled "Songs Shall Not Be Silent: Social Change and Music in Latin America" on May 29 (Fri) and June 19 (Fri), 2026, at its Nakamiya Campus. Participation is available both in-person and online, with the latter requiring advance registration.

Through expert insights, videos, and live performances, the series will explore how music has intertwined with social challenges and empowered communities in the diverse landscape of Latin America.

Event Overview - Dates: May 29 (Fri) / June 19 (Fri), 2026, 17:00–18:30 - Venue: Multimedia Hall, Nakamiya Campus, Kansai Gaidai University - Fee: Free - Attendance: - In-person: No registration required. - Online (Google Meet): Advance registration required.

Session 1: Chilean Music Committed to Social Issues (May 29) - Lecturer: Dr. Izumi Chiba (Professor Emeritus, Osaka University) - Overview: Exploring Chilean protest songs from indigenous-rooted "Angelito" farewells to the "New Song" movement of the 1960s–80s, reflecting on experiences under the military regime.

Session 2: Social Change and Folk Music in Cuban History (June 19) - Lecturer: Dr. Hirotaka Ampo (Professor, Ritsumeikan University) - Overview: Examining how Cuban history, from independence in 1902 to the present, shaped folk music genres, including Afro-Cuban music, Nueva Trova, and rap.