Dawa Ya Moto: The Remedy for Fire

Description

Tenor, Bass, Piano, Percussion — “Dawa ya moto ni moto” is a Swahili proverb that means “Medicine for fire is fire.” English speakers are probably familiar with the phrase “Fight fire with fire.” This piece expresses the most positive connotation of that phrase, encouraging us to bring the same level of energy, passion, and intensity to overcoming a challenge as the challenge presents to us. It is a piece about determination and strength in the face of opposition.The message of this piece can be summed up as follows: “In the world, there is fire that destroys and consumes, but there is also fire that releases power, energy, warmth, and light. Let the fire in us be the second fire.”Swahili (called “Kiswahili” among its speakers) is a bantu language concentrated along the east coast of Africa (i.e. Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique). There is a beautifully unique sound when Swahili is sung, and it is the composer’s aim to humbly celebrate both the beauty of this language and the wisdom of this proverb.Dawa Ya MotoTranslation: “Medicine for fire”Pronunciation: DAH-WAH YAH MOH TOHNayo nuru yang’aa gizani Translation: “And the light shines in the darkness”Pronunciation: NAH-YOH NOO-ROO YANG-AH GEE-ZAH-NEEThe R should be flippedBamboo Poles: The bamboo part is for two groups of performers. Poles should be held vertically and strike the floor. A stage offers a nice resonant sound if one is available to you. Consider how you can achieve a sound that you like in your performance space. It should be strong and satisfying for the performers. I recommend at least 5 people in each group if possible. The bamboo part is not performed while singing, so performers can easily sing AND play that part in performance. Any large poles or tree branches can work as a substitute for the bamboo. Or if preferred, the part can be played on drums.Also available for SA Voices (BL1363) “Dawa ya moto ni moto” is a Swahili proverb that means “Medicine for fire is fire.” English speakers are probably familiar with the phrase “Fight fire with fire.” This piece expresses the most positive connotation of that phrase, encouraging us to bring the same level of energy, passion, and intensity to overcoming a challenge as the challenge presents to us. It is a piece about determination and strength in the face of opposition. The message of this piece can be summed up as follows: “In the world, there is fire that destroys and consumes, but there is also fire that releases power, energy, warmth, and light. Let the fire in us be the second fire.” Also available for SA Voices (BL1363).

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