Indigenous voices sing against rising seas

After two years of feeling isolated and separated because of the pandemic, a global experience is calling, and its name is “Small Island Big Song.” A dynamic collective of indigenous artists, “Small Island Big Song” is raising awareness and inspiring action around global climate change through the universal language of music.

Presented by Live Arts Miami as part of its EcoCultura series of “performances for the planet,” the artists have traveled to Miami from countries as far afield as Madagascar, Taiwan, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands. Yet the threat of rising seas on our shores doesn’t look all that different from what they see back home.

Their story is one that is shared throughout Miami and the Caribbean. These musicians from throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans will join in song with local Caribbean musicians representing Haiti, Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Their powerful musical statement declares unity and solidarity in the face of climate change.

Amid so much division in our world, it is beautiful to receive this message of coalition — as a metaphor for the path forward — led by voices that in the past have been dismissed. They are now the ones who ring the clearest. Perhaps it’s time we all listened.

“Small Island Big Song” premieres in Miami at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the North Beach Bandshell, as part of Live Arts Miami’s EcoCultura series, bringing climate justice issues to the forefront through cultural experiences that create spaces for building community, expanding dialogue and inspiring audiences to take action to create a positive change. For more information, visit liveartsmiami.org.

This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 9:03 PM with the headline "Indigenous voices sing against rising seas."