Yemen Blues unveils their latest single, “People,” along with an accompanying music video, continuing their endeavor to foster unity through music. Released by Conscious Music Group and Kartel Music Group, the quartet remains steadfast in this mission.
The composition pays homage to Yemen Blues vocalist Ravid Kalahani’s Yemeni roots, incorporating elements of Arabic within the song. Kalahani describes the track as a celebration, simplifying complex themes to emphasize the universal joy found in communal experiences.
In a collaborative effort, a gospel choir, led by Diane White-Clayton, contributes vocals recorded at Village Studios in Los Angeles, symbolizing Kalahani’s reverence for Black American music and culture. He expresses a profound connection between the soulfulness of his heritage and the soulful essence of gospel music, aiming to unify diverse artistic traditions and communities within the recording.
Accompanying the release is a music video featuring dancers from MOVE|NYC|, an organization dedicated to nurturing young talent in dance and advocating for social justice in New York. Yemen Blues embodies a paradoxical essence, serving as both a collective and individual expression. Their music transcends boundaries, evoking profound emotional resonance while embarking on a spiritual journey that defies conventional categorization. Spanning continents and traditions, Yemen Blues embraces diversity while forging a distinctive path forward.
Yemen Blues includes Ravid Kalahani (vocalist and gimbri), Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz (bass and oud), Rony Iwryn (percussion), and Dan Mayo (drums).