MUSIC Sweet Honey in the Rock brings its one-of-a-kind sound to Powers

Black women have a unique perspective, one member of the group says.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Political. Sociological. Spiritual. Sweet Honey in the Rock's musical journey transcends race and unites voices.
Formed in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Sweet Honey in the Rock is an internationally renowned Christian-based a cappella ensemble that expands music of the black church -- spirituals, hymns -- into varying genres ranging from African songs and blues to jazz, R & amp;B and even hip-hop.
"The whole gamut of music we'll do in a cappella style and we perform music that has some kind of message," said Aisha Kahlil, calling from her home outside Washington, D.C. "We present a view on what's happening today or something that happened a long time ago and how we feel about it, how it relates to us being black women and being human beings in the world."
Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Kahlil was reared in the black church and honed her vocal talents early as part of numerous ensemble groups in high school. In college, she explored the world of jazz music. This led to her joining Sweet Honey in the Rock in 1981.
Unique style and message
Kahlil said each of the seven Sweet Honey performers specializes in a particular style. For instance, Carol Maillard is R & amp;B-based. Kahlil's sister, Nitanju Bolade Casel, also a member of the ensemble, lived in West Africa for three years, and invariably, she offers a wealth of traditional African music.
Together, the outfit is something to behold and completely different from anything else out there.
"I think black African-American women really have a unique perspective and view of the world, so we use it," Kahlil said. "It's a very powerful instrument itself. I think it's something that really gets the people in a way that a lot of other music can't reach them. It's a voice that needs to be heard. It may not be in the mainstream now, but we're still chipping away at it little by little to bring this message that we have, that is specific to us, in terms of our understandings and happenings and heartaches and joys and transitions. [We] sing that to the world."
Local performance
Sweet Honey in the Rock will be singing to Youngstown on Friday at Powers Auditorium. The special event is sponsored by ACTION -- Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods.
"Come out because the music is beautiful," Kahlil said. "The feeling is beautiful. These are trying times now. I think everybody is kind of wondering about where this country is going, and people are depressed about it. And like in New Orleans, where the world is reacting to what we're doing [to help] but also in terms of politics. People suffered for days and days without seeing no relief. And people are really getting a clue as to what the powers that be are all about."