Student Band to Play Original Song at Graduation

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The “Sherman Street Band,” made up of students from our MA in International Peacebuilding, will perform an original song called “House of Peace” at our graduation ceremony on Friday, May 13th. 

This band is a multifaith group that comprises Imbran Bonde from Indonesia, Mbeki Yunana from Nigeria, and Marni Loffman from the USA. These students live on campus and enjoy exploring unity and spirituality through music.

The band members have played for the HIU community on several occasions, but this is the first time they will perform an original song. To learn more about their original music, we interviewed Mbeki Yunana.

Q. What’s the song’s name, and why did you pick that name?

A. We will be performing about three songs. The only original song is “House of Peace." The name was picked out of a fond moment in 90 Sherman [one of our dorms].  

Q. What inspired you to create this song?

A. Funny that I don't live in 90 Sherman. I live in 92. I went over to do a rehearsal with Marni and Imbran, and they just concluded a meeting to enact their housing policy and they decided to do it in song form instead of a written document.  

Q. What was the creation process like?

A. I was invited to join in and as usual, I harmonized along and joined in the play. The creation process was funny and quite honestly, cheesy.  

Q. How do you feel about performing at the graduation ceremony, and why?

A. Humbled. It is a rare privilege; I don't take such moments for granted.  

Q. Write some words about peace

 A. The peace that I have come to know was birthed from the moment I decided to walk with God. It starts from right within us and spreads out.