Cultural events in 2009

"Long live the King"

Madonna played 85 shows, drawn over 3.5 million fans and grossed 408 millions dollars. This 50-year-old icon got excellent critics for her appearance and ability of dancing and singing all the time of her show. On the other hand, the most shocking news in 2009 was death of 50-year-old singer, dancer and entertainer Michael Jackson


By LJILJANA SAMARDŽIĆ (ljiljana.samardzic@wavemagazine.net)
from Sombor, SERBIA


There had been lots of success in 2009, but also losses which almost made internet world stop. This is a choice of WAVE magazine:

STICKY AND SWEET - Queen of re-innovation - Madonna really knows her job - showbiz! Year 2009 will absolutely be remembered by Madonna's world Sticky and Sweet Tour. It broke many records and among them are the most successful tour ever performed by a solo artist and the second highest grossing tour of all time. She played 85 shows, drawn over 3.5 million fans and grossed 408 million dollars. This 50-year-old icon got excellent critics for her appearance and ability of dancing and singing all the time of her shows. "Madonna is not the world's most gifted singer or dancer or even musician, but she may be its greatest performer", was stated in USA Today.

"LONG LIVE THE KING" - said Madonna during performance in London in order to give her respect to "one of the greatest artists the world has ever known" - Michael Jackson. Unfortunately, previous year was marked by deaths of celebrities who marked world's field of entertainment. The most shocking news in 2009 was death of 50-year-old singer, dancer and entertainer Michael Jackson, on 25th of June. The audience who watched and followed news about Jackson's death and funeral was near to number of audience who watched funeral for Princess Diana in 1997. On the occasion, the internet suffered a number of slowdowns because people rushed online to search or share the news about death of king of pop.

SHE'S GOT A TALENT - On the other hand, previous year brought us a few, shiny singing stars. She became world known in a quick pace although her physical appearance represents antithesis of what people usually believe makes a celebrity. She is a runner-up at Britain's got talent, but remembered after her epic voice that literally astonished public and jury. Susan Boyle made her mark in 2009, her first step that brought her unexpected fame. Will she show even better results in 2010 it is yet to be seen.

EXIT FESTIVAL - 10th anniversary - This music festival was initially founded in 2000 with political background as a student protest against Serbian president Slobodan Milošević. The idea was to give a cultural and entertaining resort for young people in Serbia during the period of tough political and social situation. In only few years this local summer festival, organized every year in Novi Sad on the medieval Petrovaradin Fortress, reached incredible popularity in whole Europe and became one of the most visited festivals in Europe. In year 2007 that was officially confirmed by an award in London for the best music festival in Europe at UK Festival awards. The main stars on the 2009 stages were The Prodigy, Moby, Lily Allen, Manic Street Preachers and Korn. From year to year it is getting better and better, which is evident throughout number and popularity of confirmed performers.

WORLD DIGITAL LIBRARY - On April 21st, UNESCO along with 32 more partners has launched the World Digital Library, a web site which collects unique cultural materials from all around the world. It includes manuscripts, rare books, maps, prints, photographs and sound recordings. The World Digital Library functions in seven languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, but it also includes additional material in more than 40 languages. It is of great importance that it is free of charge and easy to use. Spreading of the knowledge world wide, which is one of the aims of UNESCO, has become easier than it used to be.

Some say that year 2009 will be remembered by the deaths and scandals. That is partially true since there were more shocking celebrities' deaths besides Jackson's - Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze and Brittany Murphy. It shouldn't be neglected the fact that previous year might also bring success to individuals or groups that will lead to great success in year 2010.


(Published: 15.01.2010.)