During this time of separation, there is one thing that can unite nearly all humans on the planet...music. Jeneda and Clayson Benally are the sibling duo behind the band Sihasin. Their music blends their Navajo traditions, Indigenous activism and punk rock roots. And like professional musicians everywhere, Sihasin isn't performing any public shows right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this week's installment of Play Us a Tune, the Benally's bring us an original song called Gentler Than Night. It's a healing song for everyone, but particularly for the Navajo people who are suffering tremendously under the weight of this virus. Here is Sihasin playing us a tune of hope and healing from their home in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks.
JB: My name is Jeneda Benally, and I’m here with my brother, Clayson.
CB: We’re so happy and excited to be a part of this amazing community. There’s so much love and support, and seeing everybody out there doing their best to protect the most vulnerable.
We are called Sihasin, and that means hope in our language. I know there’s a lot of hardship and this is not the easiest time; losing relatives, family, loved ones, and not being able to be there to be able to grieve with you, with them…it’s a challenging place to be. This song we want to share with you is called Gentler Than Night. It’s kind of a song to just talk about that healing.
JB: We use it as a tool to remind people – and especially right now – we’ve got to remind each other to take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. Take care of your family. Take care of your community. But, take care of yourself! We really just want to make sure that you’re going to be ok. We love you. We need you. You are such an important, integral part of our community, and we are all going to get through this together.
This song is called Gentler Than Night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKQ4tHvhuHY&feature=youtu.be
Play Us a Tune is produced by KNAU's Gillian Ferris. If you are an out of work musician who'd like to play us a tune, drop her an email inquiry at Gillian. Ferris@nau.edu.