The third single from the original motion picture soundtrack for Lom Nava Love, “I Am Because We Are (Tribute to the Dawson Family)” is a high-energy tribute to a family of seven (two parents and five children) murdered in Baltimore, Maryland in 2002 after their rowhouse was firebombed. The up-tempo track ignites the African philosophical system of Ubuntu which communicates a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity and is an expression of collective respect for human dignity.
Daya’s euphonious vocal performance is solid as a rock throughout the track as she creates a path to remembrance, healing and collective action. Written, composed and produced by Fanon Hill, “I Am Because We Are (Tribute to the Dawson Family),” also presents a shining rhythm section including Grammy award winning percussionist Moziah Saleem and virtuoso drumming sensation Kush Abadey among others skillfully backing Daya.
lyrics
I AM BECAUSE WE ARE (Tribute to the Dawson Family)
Music and Lyrics by Fanon Hill/ Published by (Candlestick Freedom Publishing)
(INTRO)
Lives on, the Dawson family loves strong, the Dawson family fights on, the Dawson family remains strong, the Dawson family (repeat all)
(VERSE 1)
Once upon, a time seemingly so
There lived a family all the world should know
Sacred's their name, sing it high sing it low,
With courage they challenged the status quo
(CHORUS)
I am because we are, therefore I am
The circle of life has no end, we begin without and within
(VERSE 2)
A fairy tale, this is not (no, no, no)
A family of seven sent down from heaven
So let us speak, their truth, into tomorrow
From their legacy, Baltimore must borrow
(CHORUS)
I am because we are, therefore I am
The circle of life has no end, we begin without and within
(BRIDGE A)
Dawson family
You're a sunrise that never sets, a love that is always kept
Dawson family
Sacredness decorates your name, we affirm you and proclaim
(BRIDGE B)
Dawson Family, heaven lives in your name
Dawson family, angels protect you just the same
(INSTRUMENTAL VERSE- horn and piano )
(BRIDGE A)
Dawson family
You're a sunrise that never sets, a love that is always kept
Dawson family
Sacredness decorates your name, we affirm you and proclaim
(BRIDGE B)
Dawson Family, heaven lives in your name
Dawson family, angels protect you just the same
(CHORUS)
I am because we are, therefore I am
The Circle of life has no end, we begin without and within (repeat)
(OUTRO: Vocal scat, piano solo and muted trumpet solo)
credits
from Lom Nava Love (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack),
released April 27, 2016
I Am Because We Are (Tribute to the Dawson Family)
Written, Composed, and Produced by Fanon Hill for Candlestick Freedom Publishing (ASCAP).
Lead & Background Vocals: Navasha Daya
Drums: Kush Abadey
Bass: Anthony "Blue" Jenkins
Grand Piano, Arp Odyssey: DeAndre Shaifer (Dre King)
Electric Guitar: Matthew Chase
Percussion (Congas): Leroy "Boogie" Greer
Auxiliary Percussion (Blocks, Talking drum, and Cuíca): Moziah Saleem
Horns: Mo’Horns (Trombone by Marvin Thompson, Trumpet by Theljon Allen, Alto Saxophone by William Spence)
Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Steve Wright at Wrightway Studios, Baltimore, MD. Mastered by Anthony Eichler at Tone Master, Silver Spring, MD.
Horn Arrangement: Navasha Daya
Additional background vocal arrangements by Navasha Daya
Executive Producer: Fanon Hill
Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Steve Wright at Wrightway Studios, Baltimore, MD
Mastered by Anthony Eichler at Tone Master, Silver Spring, MD
Additional vocal arrangements by Navasha Daya
Horn Arrangements: Navasha Daya
CD Graphic Design and Layout by Global Design Interactive (GDI)
Cover Photography Credits: Navasha Daya by Maria Golomidova
For booking contact: booking@dayaworld.com
Daya World,LLC
P.O. Box 592
Baltimore, MD 21218
Called an “Astral Soul Goddess” by Mojo Magazine, Navasha Daya is a seasoned singer, songwriter, producer, who has performed
all over the globe for the past 17 years as an indie - soul artists. Grammy- Award winning artist India.Arie says her voice is "the true definition of soulful". Like her cousin the late great Gil Scott Heron, she provides music that is both eclectic and soulful!...more
