Requiem: Life, Death, and Solidarity

Requiem is a research and development process with Oasis One World Choir involving
asylum seekers, refugees and professional artists collaborating to create a space in which the
duality of life and death is being explored through song and dance.
Adopting a decolonised approach to the traditionally recognised Roman Catholic term
‘requiem’ – meaning a musical composition for the dead, we have explored various ideas and
pathways which highlight our diverse cultural perspectives, traditions, and experiences around
how death is defined through life. And in doing so, bridging multiple languages and meanings
together to create our requiem.
The process has intentionally focused on the celebration of coming together and amplifying the
voices of the living to honour the voices of the dead.
What we have learnt from this process is the importance of our joy and livelihood amidst wars
and genocide, and that celebrating life is significantly interwoven with honouring the dead.
During this unprecedented time it has been particularly important for the group to uplift and
empower each other whilst being aware of the global political landscape.
Requiem thus becomes a journey of individuals uniting in solidarity through song and dance
exploring both their celebration and creativity whilst recognising the deaths of many.
Featuring internationally renowned traditional Chinese percussionist BeiBei Wang, and Mike
Skelton.
Oasis One World Choir Members;
Emily Agbaso
Ayoub Boukhalfa
Mustafa Abdulaziz
Wai Chin Wong
Abdulmujib Yahaya(Oloye)
Uhunoma Emmy Emwiobaiwi
Noor
Faith Murigi
Dancers;
Shakeera Ahmun
Dominika Rau
Abdulmujib Yahaya (Oloye)
Mustafa Abdulaziz

OOWC Project Manager Tracy Pallant
OOWC Musical Director Laura Bradshaw
OOWC Choreographer June Campbell-Davies
Assistant Artistic Director Ama Rouge
Artistic Director Ffion Campbell-Davies

Intro song by Ayoub (Arabic);
الإستقرار – Stabilization
الطاقة – Energy
النور – Light
السلام – Peace
Song by Wai Chin (Mandarin);
Wǒ Mén Lái Zì 我们来自
Wǔ Hú Sì Hǎi 五湖四海
Yì Jīa Qīn 一家亲
We come from all corners of the world. We are one family.
Ensemble Choir verses;
Emily (Russian);
Ne Teryay Sebya – Don’t lose yourself
Mostafa (Arabic);
سلام – Peace
BeiBei (Mandarin);
Shi Run 滋润 – Moisturised
Ama (Ga);
Anukwale – Truth
Emmy (Edo);
Akugbe-ohetin – Unity is power
Closing chant (Welsh);
Mae bywyd yn brydferth pan ma na rhyddid – Life is beautiful when there is freedom.