Global Unification With Some SOUL-ful Music!

The musical concert conducted especially for the international students of Nicholls State by the Singers of United Lands (SOUL) on March 10 was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable evenings in my life. It was not a mere concert performed by different nationalities, but the sign of congregation of half the globe by itself. There were 4 singers from different nations presenting their talents to entertain us- Steve from French Polynesian Island (Pacific Islands between Australia and South America), Mackly from Haiti, Zuleika from Caracas (Venezuela) and Teele from Estonia, Europe (it was actually 4 continents!).

(Left to right- Zuleika, Mackly, Teele and Steve)
Being an International student with utmost curiosity to learn about different cultures, I was very astonished with their performance. Each of them was wearing their traditional dresses while Teele wore her mother’s wedding dress in white as her national outfit. Steve with his crown of hay on his head and red traditional dress showed us his war song and dance—I was absolutely amazed by their strength and rage exhibited in their eyes while they performed their warrior step. Another fact that really made me want to visit his land (Rapak Island, Tahiti) was that they do not use money to buy things in their island- everything comes for free, they pluck fruits from the trees, fish from the water, and cook on their own to feed their visitors too (doesn’t that sound like paradise on Earth)?

(Steve in his rocking mood!)

(this is how we hold the globe though we are tagged as different nationalities!)

On the other hand, Zuleika and her little Cuatro (4-stringed instrument that looks like a guitar) created magical music that amused every audience. Zuleika and Mackly also performed a little salsa dance where everybody clapped with great enthusiasm, making them wish they could dance so flawless yet entertaining.

(Zuleika with her Cuatro)
Subsequently, Mackly chanted a Haitian national song with his Haitian drum-thanking everybody who helped Haiti in the disastrous earthquake of February 2010. Together they sang and performed very well, making the whole environment full of energy. I really enjoyed their music even though I did not understand their language; it enhanced my understanding that music is a universal language that can bring every nation and culture together regardless of their physical boundaries.

(Mackly with his Haitian Drum)
Luckily, I got to interact with them again in an informal dinner at one of the host professor’s house where they sang without any musical instrument- yet they were successful at grabbing the listeners’ concentration (probably that is what’s known as true performer qualities). Moreover, their performance was complete and enthralling in itself; in fact, it was no less amusing than the grand concerts of Metallica Concert (2009) and John Mayer exclusive (2010) in the New Orleans Stadium.

(Zuleika and Teele initiating with some dance steps)

Their performances undeniably enthralled me-I hope the way of my presentation did not do injustice to their gripping recitals.