Artist Spotlight: Sabyu & Ninguyu
'The Giver (Where the Buffalo Roam)' Out Now
Song by Sabyu & Ninguyu (ft. Thaddillac & Skúli Gestsson)
Artwork by Ninguyu
Meet Me Where The Buffalo Roam
Written by Sabyu
“Meet me where the buffalo roam and I’ll give to you all that I hold,
all that I fear, all that I face, and all of those times I thought home was a place...”
In the midst of a pandemic, I found myself writing a song about the mighty buffalo. For years I’d been attending Native American Medicine Wheel teachings and learning about different animals and their inherent power and abilities. I noticed many similarities in values, such as respect for nature and animals, between my indigenous Pacific Islander roots and that of Native American. As the teachings went on, I found much reverence for the buffalo and what it provided to indigenous folks here on Turtle Island - food, shelter, clothing, and ceremony. The buffalo is considered “The Giver” by several Native American tribes because it gave away itself to provide sustenance for the people. During such an uncertain time on our planet, the spirit of giving really struck me.
“...I’ll just tilt my head down, kick my feet on the ground,
clap a thunderous sound, and give away...”
Inspired to write a song in honor of the buffalo, I began strumming a galloping rhythm on my guitar. The rhythm hit me like hooves stomping on the plains. Lyrics and melodies ran through me like a strong wind. This phrase kept racing through my head:
“Meet me where the buffalo roam…”
“Meet me where the buffalo roam and I’ll give you my skin and my bones...”
Giving is a big part of who I am. I give to my family, my partner, my friends, and the young artists I work with. I enjoy giving. With Totem Star, I gave many zoom sessions during the pandemic. I taught guitar, co-wrote songs, recorded instruments, and mixed music for our youth. I even helped two young artists, Mirabai Kukathas and Yung Fuego, release their first full-length albums despite not physically being in the studio together. I connected with many of the young artists and their families during this time and sessions with Totem Star was our common ground.
“Meet me where the buffalo roam and I’ll give you my heart and my soul...”
There are times during Totem Star sessions when young artists simply need a space to get things off their chest. With so much chaos and confusion happening these days, communicating from the heart and soul does wonders. In those moments, I strive to hold space for artists so they can express their authentic selves through their words, music, and stories. Mental health is real, and for many of the young artists, making music is therapy.
Our young artists give to me as well, whether or not they realize it. They give me an opportunity to play music with them. They give me creative freedom while writing songs together. They give me a chance to be a better mentor and teacher. They challenge my musicianship and push my limits as a producer of Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop, Folk, R&B, Punk, Funk, Lo-Fi, Poetry, Musicals, Experimental music and more. As an Artist Mentor, music is what keeps me going too - creating alongside the youth and also writing songs for myself.
“Call me your partner, call me your friend,
and I’ll give to you what is mine once again...”
While creating “The Giver”, the song passed through some incredible hands. My partner, Ninguyu, is a beautifully talented singer/songwriter and helped me complete the song. She drew from her Anishinaabe roots, and painted the breathtaking buffalo artwork herself. So much love and gratitude for her. Thaddeus “Thaddillac” Turner blessed the tune on electric guitar and rips a soulful solo with a hearty tone. Legendary. My bandmate, Skúli Gestsson, laid down a rock solid foundation for us to ride on with his bass. A brilliant musician I can always count on. Rachel Field of Resonant Sound mastered the track and brought out the best in everyone on the record.
Sabyu & Ninguyu honoring the spirit of the buffalo in front of a blanket designed by Eighth Generation Artist, Sonja Holy Eagle (Oglala Lakota)
“I’ve fed my body and nourished my soul,
I’m ready to give, and share my home, so meet me where the buffalo roam”
I learned many lessons throughout the pandemic, and one of them is this: “To take care of others, start by taking care of yourself.” Not in a selfish way, but in a self-sustaining way. In a sacred way. In a way that honors body and spirit. The spirit of the buffalo nourishes itself in order to take care of the people. If we nourish ourselves, we would find that we are contributing to a better world just by being who we are. By giving ourselves the best so we can share the best with others.
From its inception, “The Giver” felt like a song from the heart. This song is my gift to you and from the hands that it’s passed through. Enjoy and share. We have much more to give if we know who we are and where we come from.
A native elder once told me,
“Everyone is indigenous to Mother Earth.”
I thought to myself,
“Now that’s something we can all celebrate.”
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day
Today & Everyday
1neLove,
Sabyu
ABOUT SABYU & ninguyu
Sabyu & Ninguyu are a singer/songwriter duo based out of Olympia, WA. They draw inspiration from their indigenous roots - Pacific Islander & Native American.
Follow more of Sabyu & Ninguyu:
Website / Spotify / Soundcloud / AppleMusic / Instagram / Facebook