Story behind the Song: Shadows 

It took some time for research, putting resources together, and getting the right people to record the song  Shadows. Now that the song is been released for digital download, some have asked what is the story behind the song?
A short version of that story is on the sales page on bandcamp.com. which basically says its the exploration of stories about women and girls who mostly bear the brunt of headline stories and yet their own stories of untold sacrifices, heroic accomplishments and sheer perseverance hardly makes headlines, like shadows, ever present faintly talked about.

In researching the songs (Shadows is one song in a series exploring this theme), I looked at a number of headlines and stories from various media outlets in print and online, majority of the stories were about men, or related to men, very few stories on women, even the stories about women were either to support or sabotage the story of some man/men. This caught my interest, and I wanted to write about this intrigue, however I did not want to write from a "voice of women" perspective nor from an "expert on women affairs" point of view either.

Knowing of the power of impressions and impact of characters in narrating stories, I thought it best to share the insights gained in looking at the ever present difficulties, hardships, and inequality women face around the world from the viewpoint of characters. In the case of Shadows; a young girl who is an amalgam of the stories of war and hardships of war as it relates to women and girls became the best medium to write the song .

During research, be it talking to women friends of mine, some of whom I invited for coffee or tea and they thought I was asking them out, to reading and surfing the net (some friends thought I was creating a good excuse to look at photos of beautiful women ) to spending a lot of time at Barnes and Noble drinking hot coco reading books like Half the Sky, Well-Behaved Women Never Make History etc, and getting some snobbish stares "Why is the guy with Rastafarian hair reading feminist books?" at least one thing is clear we need more discourse on Women and Women issues.

As an Artist, as one who expresses himself best in the written word and through musical artistry , my intention is, I hope the little contributions I make can generate discussions, evoke contemplation and inspire action in the creating of conducive environments and provision of greater opportunities for Women in our shared goal  toward a world of true equality (complimentary not sameness) of an ever advancing civilization.

Summer Prospects

Bench Abdu'l-Baha sat in 1912 visiting Minneapolis-MN

Its summer time, birds wing their flights to festive corners of the globe, cities are booming with activities,  airways, seaways, roads, and railways  are busy with vacationers and visitors heading to dream destinations; some to fancy retreats and customary locales, temperatures are up, beaches are excited to welcome displays  of six-pack bodies, and above all the adventurous spirits are unleashed.

As for me the goal is simple, travel the west coast of U.S.A, reunite with old friends, make new friends and play music for all the enthusiastic fans out there.

So its time to hit the road... Seattle-WA first  stop.

Another perspective

Having been on the road with Munirih Sparrow traveling and sharing music, its always heart warming to hear of what others say, their perspective on what we do. So much encouragement and support from the friends, their kindness, hospitality, generosity and love has been tremendous. We feel blessed to be able to share with the world our gift, doing what we love doing.

Here is an article for Shiprock/Farmington  that Jeff worked up. Wow!


MUNIRIH SPARROW & GUSTAFF BESUNGU:
TROUBADORS of ONE WORLD


Munirih Sparrow & Gustaff Besungu are fast becoming rising stars of international music & storytelling. As seasoned performers, recently they
have been performing together as troubadors of intercultural and inter-racial harmony with a compelling spiritual message.

Munirih’s musical roots arise from her Canadian prairie homeland & its soulful voice and native storytellers; while Gustaff hales from a long heritage of traditional drum players, dancers & story-catchers from Cameroon, West Central Africa. Yet both have branched off into East-West & international music, with a strong focus on Baha’i songs & Writings--displaying a far-reaching repertoire.

Inspired by these diverse sources, they are fashioning a new kind of musical sound & launching fresh themes & even new performance methods.

Munirih’s richly textured voice travels up and down the musical ladder to make intimate & meaningful connections with the audience; Gustaff’s deep-rooted voice & drumming draws listeners and participants into the heart of his time-honored rhythms & wisdom. Combining gifts, they bring into being transformational music.

Likewise, they intersperse their performances with teaching stories and invite the audience to accompany them on a spiritual journey through
interactive dialogue and singalongs. Traditional African folk songs, world wide music & Baha’i verses intermingle and are woven together with the
oneness of God, humankind, & all the world’s religions. Unity in diversity is the keynote.

Beauty after the storm

Yesterday we had a wonderful time at the Albuquerque Bahai center. What a delightful group. The music was great, the interaction cheerful, filled with humor; in celebration of Love. After snacks, engaging in light conversation, making acquaintances and being treated to a heart full dinner, it was time to go home and rest for the night.  

Our host was our driver, a very careful, diligent driver she was; we got caught in a snow storm as we drove up the mountain to Edgewood-NM from Albuquerque. High winds blowing snow directly into our path, semi-trucks and trucks getting off the road, some coming to a standstill others plowing through slowly. Now and again we got one of those crazy drivers swerving in and out of lanes for their respect of life and common sense driving skills under such conditions was out the window. Outside temperatures so inconsiderate to someone like me who is accustomed to the sunny weather of the Sunshine State (go Key West), snow on windshield and wipers quickly turn to ice. A typical 30 minutes drive took us about an hour to get home.

By the grace of the Almighty and skills of our host and driver, we got home safely.  I drank a cup of tea and slept like a baby. This morning, it was pristine outside, beautiful, and an inspiring landscape of snow to salute me.  I thought “What a view, what a beauty after the storm,” and it got me thinking: sometimes in our lives we get caught in a “snow storm,” our energies are drained, we lose our sense of purpose and feel lost and burdened, because we are not sure when the storm will pass away, but if we keep steady, become alert and weather the storm with patience, diligence and a powerful belief in hope, then we get to see the beauty after the storm, we get to enjoy life in its fullest, for no matter how long the storm stays, it will eventually give way for the beauty that ensue.

The Magic of Kindness

We've traveled so far from Gainesville to Tallahassee, all the way to Pensacola, back to Gainesville via Navarre, and now Atlanta-GA  where we are getting ready for a cozy evening of a musical presentation.

Along the way, its been very clear the power of kindness, genuine support, love and encouragement we've received in all the places. No matter the crowd, the diversity of circumstances nor the level of intimacy we have with the communities, there have been a constant show of kindness beyond words.

Musical Road Trip

Photo Courtesy of Cristina Cabezas Eury. Munirih Sparrow and Gustaff @ Gainesville Baha'i Center

It began with a Facebook message from a friend, then to Facebook connections, emails, Skype, and finally phone calls, that led to this musical journey which has begun on such a good footing.

Two musicians (I from Cameroon) and Munirih Sparrow from Canada, who had never met each other, and I dare say never heard of each other until a few weeks back when our travel itinerary was being put together, are able to go on stage and share a magical moment, a conversation of hearts to hearts in an environment of complete awe and enthusiastic support. That is the power of belief, the allure of the language of music.

Gainesville-Florida was a wonderful beginning to this journey that will take us from Florida to California, a veritable sprint of performance schedule, an avenue of spiritual and personal development and a glorious opportunity to share with the world the one thing we know and do best: playing music to awaken spirits, uplift hearts and inspire souls.

Its an endeavor sincerely calling on those we meet to examine our path of service to humanity, share in our joys and wonder of the source of our inspiration and join in the desire and efforts to transform humanity, sharing a vision that speaks to the higher ideals of every illumined soul.

This musical road trip we will share with our family, friends, fans and loved ones who are not able to travel with us using avenues of communication available to us. Hence this blog will be one of those avenues where you can become acquainted with the developments, happenings and excitements of our travel.

Please have us in your prayers and loving thoughts.

As always your encouragement and great support is the lifeblood of what we do.

Stay tuned, stay connected.

Tallahassee here we come...