TO LIVE

TO Live is a strong supporter of up-and-coming artist from all around. They give these artists a place to perform their artistry. This happens weekly either at the St Lawrence Centre , Meridian Hall and the Meridian arts Centre next to Mel Lastman square. They perform in the lobby of these places and the admission for this is free. This is part of a series called Sound Break, and it happens during your lunch hour from 12-1pm. If you are nearby, take your break and enjoy some music to recharge you before you go back into the real world.

Nimkii

This is taken from Wikipedia- Nimkii and the Niniis are a Canadian First Nations musical group from Wiikwemkoong, Ontario,^[1] whose debut EP Nang Giizhigoong was a Juno Award nominee for Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2022.^[2]

The band, led by Nimkii Osawamick, performed traditional Anishinabek drumming and choral singing on Nang Giizhigoong,^[3] although Osawamick has communicated an ambition to blend traditional indigenous music with contemporary pop styles in the future.^[1]

When Nimkii arrived, the lobby was filling up quickly with people from around the world and families wanting to understand the traditions of Indigenous people. There may be many different bands, but the messages are all very similar. We all belong to Mother Earth.

Nimkii shared traditional songs as well as his own music. He has an EP out and is working on new material. I will share his link at the bottom of the page.

Nimkii is creating traditional music with his style built in, so younger people will feel inspired to learn from this music and continue the tradition. He continued to talk about the circle of life and when we are dealing with grief how music is a big healer. He taught us that each song has a purpose and is a form of prayer.

The audience also came to learn that the basic beat of the drum is connected to our heart. Just like a baby is connected to its Mother through her heartbeat. With that knowledge it is no wonder that the first songs you learn are about giving Thanks, just for being alive.

Knowing the history of how Indigenous people have been treated, there is a reason these songs are sung loudly and with pride.

Nimkii went on to teach us about names and connections to these names. His name translates into Thunderbird and recently he and his wife had a daughter, and they named her after a firefly. A firefly and a Thunderbird are connected in the spirit world. This happens when a Thunderbird uses his electrical force in this world he energizes the firefly to wake up and deliver their purpose in life.

Nimkii went onto to give examples of how every living thing has a purpose and should be acknowledged for its contribution to Mother Earth. One way to do that is to go into the woods and fast. You wait for a vision to guide you to your next purpose in life. I personally have experienced this on my own in life. As a student of life, I named this kind of fasting a Metaphysical trip, when the Universe gives you a sign. This is a very powerful tool to help you grow as a spirit.

He not only sang for us but he used different drums and shakers to relay his messages. The highlight came when he went and performed the Hoop Dance. It was truly a visual art as I watched him create stories from rings. He became an archer and a warrior and an eagle soaring above us.

Nimkii teaches us about life through art:

If you ever have a chance to watch an artist like Nimkii, you will realize you have a lifetime of learning and that when you cross into the spirit world you will carry the riches from Mother Earth.

Here is the link to Nimkii & the Niniis- NIMKII & THE NINIIS | Spotify

See you next week when you can enjoy some Soul and R&B with Kubla at the St Lawrence Centre of the Arts on Front Street at Noon. This is a Sound Break for your Soul.