Talks on the topic of “Music and democracy: taking a stand as an artist”

Tuesday, April 29th 2025 at 7 pm - NaviBand
The Popakademie opens the series with the popular Belarusian indie pop band NaviBand, who took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017. Known for their gripping songs and tireless commitment to political freedom, the musicians are among the ultimate romantic voices of the Belarusian music scene. After being expelled from their home country for their support of the political protests in 2020 following the contested presidential election, they are now touring Europe. With their concerts in Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and other countries, they are sending a powerful message to the victims of the war in Ukraine and the brutal repression of protesters in Belarus.

Tuesday, May 27th 2025 at 7 pm - SOFFIE and Marlo Grosshardt
On May 27th 2025, SOFFIE and Marlo Grosshardt will discuss the topic of showing attitude as an artist. Pop academic and Berlin musician Soffie conquers stages with a unique mix of fat beats and even fatter vocals. With her provocative way of living the world in “fortissimo”, she immerses the audience in an emotionally energetic atmosphere. Her lyrics are profound, but at the same time a call to experience the world with all its facets.
The Hamburg musician Marlo Grosshardt wows audiences with his debut album “Ein letztes Liebeslied”. In his critical yet rousing songs, he addresses the contradictions of the modern world and shows himself to be a courageous artist who is not afraid to address political and social issues. After a successful tour and numerous sold-out shows, Marlo has already achieved over 3.5 million streams on Spotify with his second album “Mut” and has inspired fans with songs such as “Astronaut”, which achieved great viral success on social media. He is part of the 26th generation of the Bandpool (top support program of the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg).

Tuesday, June 17th 2025, at 7 pm - Johannes Blume: “Berlin Utopia Cadaver”
On June 17th 2025, director and filmmaker Johannes Blume will present his award-winning documentary “Berlin Utopiekadaver”. The film, which was nominated for Best Documentary at the Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival and won the prize for “Best Music in a Documentary”, deals with the utopias and dystopias of modern society. Johannes Blume, who is known for his experimental works, takes the audience on a cinematic journey through the cultural and social realities of Berlin.

All talks take place in room 001 of the Popakademie, admission is free, registration is not necessary.

Cooperation event “Democracy needs discourse” with Mannheim's higher education institutions: Current political and social developments such as radicalization tendencies, populism and political and religious extremism pose challenges to social peace and democracy. These do not stop at the universities either.