Modimo - Stanford Talisman Winter Show 2021

The Modimo Trilogy is a combination of three hymns originally performed by the Soweto Gospel Choir. The trilogy opens with "Modimo," a song of awe and wonder at creation, and continues with "Izwi Lahlab'Inhliziyo Yami," a soulful confession of sin and proclamation of grace. The piece concludes with "Ke Na Le Modisa," a traditional South African interpretation of Psalm 23. Two of the 11 official languages of South Africa are represented in the trilogy. "Modimo" and "Ke Na Le Modisa" are sung in Sotho, and "Izwi Lahlab'Inhliziyo Yami" is in Zulu.
Alongside the music of ‘Dwelling,’ we are calling our audience and to support the healing and generative work that the East Oakland Collective is doing in the East Bay. With our music and narrative sharing, we're asking ourselves and our community to reflect on the ideas of home, of shelter, of sanctuary. Not only are we approaching this year, our academics, and our music from various living situations and backgrounds, but we're aware of the fact that our school is standing on unceded indigenous lands and that with its increasing impact in the Bay Area and abroad local community members are being forced out of their homes and their ways of life every day. We are honored to help financially support the East Oakland Collective in their work. We are accepting donations through Venmo (venmo @umaphatak).
We are absolutely thrilled to be able to share the songs and stories that we have encountered thus far. We hope that you enjoy this evening of reflection, joy, and love!