PRAYER SINGER

I recently watched a movie set in Somalia.  To create the location, a tall tower is shown, with a single human figure silhouetted, and a voice resonates outward calling the faithful to prayer.  I think that might be a number one coolest job ever-to be the singer entrusted with ancient songs, taught a technique for throwing the voice, and set to sing a city's people to acts of reflection, charity and human connection.

What would my days be like if my talent were to serve that kind of purpose?  In my world, singers are entertainers.  They perform tricks that cause children to laugh, and help adults mitigate their tears.  The prevailing attitude is that music is simply charisma so exposure to musical education and participation in community musical groups is declining rapidly.  Music is becoming nothing more than a culture's emotional venting mechanism.

In the movie, however, war stops when the singer calls.  Guns are put down as those fighting for their side bend to the same devotions as their enemies.  The singer speaks peace and reminds the city of its human connections.  That voice is heard over the exploding, shouting, shooting, panting, and dying.

I make no argument that being called to prayers led to a solution to famine, war, disease, and death.  I make no argument that the singer was himself a person of any great integrity or kindness.  I cannot even claim that any significant change was wrought within that moment of music.  Nevertheless, I was struck by the awesome power in the idea that a single human voice, beautifully sustained on breath, falling like dew over the tumult and the strife, can stop time and open a space for change.

If I could have a different job, I think I might like to try for that one.