In Concert: Odeya Nini, Israeli-Yemini Composer

Says Odeya, “I am extremely inspired by the tradition of wailing in the Yemenite Jewish tradition. My ancestors originated from Yemen and women who were wailers were part of the culture. When a person passed, the wailer would be invited into the home of the mourning family and sing her deep heart breaking song of lament. Her voice was meant to pierce deep into the soul and make everyone cry while she herself embodied grief in her body and sounds. It’s a powerful tradition and this practice is both a performance and not.”