One Earth One Voice. December 21, 2012 marks the completion of the ancient Mayan calendar and has been hyped by some in mainstream media as the day the world will end. With all due respect, we disagree. Rather, with the world’s attention focused on this date, we see this as an opportunity to mobilize our global community in a new spirit of celebration and service, while acknowledging the delicacy of humanity’s relationship with the earth at this time in history. We view this moment as an opportunity to reignite human imagination – through singing – to find new pathways to restore right relations between humanity and the earth.


What will happen?
For 15 minutes on December 21, 2012 at 5pm EST/2pm PST (9am December 22 in Sydney, Australia), voices across the world will sing one song in synchrony. The global sing-in will be facilitated by an array of media platforms, including broadcast media, social media, and good old-fashioned grassroots organizing of live events around the world. There will be three “anchor” locations which will be part of the live-stream, thanks to our friends at the Shift Network. You will be able to tune in here on our website.

What’s the song, and how was it chosen?
As we like to say, the song chose us, because from the beginning, whenever groups of people sing it, something seems to change in the air molecules of the room. It’s a simple but beautiful chant from the Yoruba Tribe, called Ise Oluwa. Translated into English, the words mean “That which the creator has made can never be destroyed.” Shyla’s trip to Nigeria included a ceremony in which she and our glass globe were blessed by the elders of the tribe as she brings this song to the world.

What does the song mean?
There are several interpretations/translations that have circulated regarding the song’s translation into English. Here are our two favorites: Ise oluwa kole bajey o. That which the Creator has made can never be destroyed. or That which has been created can never be destroyed. Whether one comes at this from a theistic, spiritual, or scientific perspective, we believe the central message of the song comes through, which we have come to mean that that natural world – the created world – is whole unto itself. Taken another way, it is also a tender plea to protect creation. We can’t think of a more poetic affirmation of the sanctity and wholeness of our earth.

Ise Oluwa - Toronto

Ise Oluwa

Rehearsing a new song called Courage Brother

Redpolkadots