Photo Credit: Raechel Running. Band’s Website.
Sihasin is a brother and sister drum and bass duo made up of Jeneda and Clayson Benally. Hailing from the Diné (Navajo) Nation in northern Arizona, they blend indigenous music with a hard rock sound. The band’s name is the Navajo word for hope, and their music definitely reflects a hope for positive change.
Their recently released sophomore album, Fight Like a Woman is produced by veteran producer Ed Stasium, whose production, engineering and mixing credits includes Talking Heads, Ramones, Living Colour and Motörhead. Some of those influences can be heard in Sihasin’s sound, but mixing those influences with the traditional native elements give the tunes a fresh anthemic feel.
One of the album’s standout is “Strong Together.” The tune is an empowering anthem which embodies the hope that is represented by the duo’s name.
Jeneda made the following statement: “The song was inspired by the fact that we are a force when we find our commonality rather than our differences. With the movements and hashtag societies we are changing the isolation of injustice. This song is a call for unity to create healthy and respectful communities.”
The song’s video contains potent imagery which adds weight to the message. Directed by Hopi/Diné filmmaker Jake Hoyungowa, the video also includes unreleased footage from Standing Rock filmed by indigenous director Rose Stiffarm.
“It’s amazing to have ‘Strong Together’ visually brought to life. We really wanted to show the movements that still exist today. Many people read about the Indigenous Movements of the past and perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to recognize that as indigenous peoples, we still continue the legacy that was led by our ancestors for equality, justice, and freedom,” Jeneda says.
Sihasin adds a vital voice to the continued fight for indigenous rights. Every movement needs anthems and Sihasin are doing their part.