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Page 1 of 2 On Inauguration Day, Cyndee Peters, African-American gospel singer, artist/producer and long-time resident of Sweden put together a spectacular gala at the Stockholm Concert Hall to celebrate Barack Obama’s swearing in as President of the United States. Performers included blues singer and guitarist Eric Bibb, famous dancer and choreographer Damon Frost, and also Swedish soul/rnb-icons Blacknuss. Urbanlife was there of course to cover everything from the rehearsal to the actual event and to hear what the artists themselves had to say about this historic day.
 The day before the Inauguration, at Immanuel Church, Cyndee Peters’ powerful voice fills the room as she rehearses with a band and the two choirs By Grace and Servants. Calm and secure she instructs both the choir members and the band on how she wants the songs to be sung and played. While taking a break she is happy to answer a few questions from Urbanlife’s reporter Christian Hofverberg.
So how did you get the idea to create this celebration for Obama?
It was a feeling that I got, that I had to do this because it is such a historic event. This is the biggest concert that I have organized and I put it together in just six weeks. With a lot of help from other people of course.
What does it mean to you, as an African-American, to see Barack Obama becoming president of the United States?
It is almost too great to describe. I mean, people have actually died for this, all the way from slaves trying to free themselves, to segregation, to Martin Luther King. I never thought I would live to see the day when a black man could become president in America. The great thing is that he’s the president for all Americans, not just African-Americans.
What impact do you think Barack Obama can have on Sweden?
Hopefully he can share as a role model, especially for people that don’t have their background in this country. I think people can be inspired and see that if you really put your mind on something you can accomplish anything.
Has Obama’s message of change affected the selection of artists for your event?
Absolutely! I've handpicked every artist because I felt it was vital that what was both sung and said truly reflected Obama's message of change and unity. It has also been important to select artists and performers from many different genres; from hip hop to gospel, opera to Swedish folk music. Obama's message is inclusive and the Gala should reflect that.
"a great role model for ethnic minorities in Sweden"
At the rehearsal Urbanlife also meets one of the other performers for the event, Beverly Glenn, an experienced singer with gospel roots. When Urbanlife asks about her age she replies that she is experienced enough not to tell but kindly shares a few facts about her background. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, she came to Sweden in 1964 to do a tour of the Swedish folk parks with a Rhythm & Blues band and ended up staying in Sweden.
About Obama, Beverly points out his determination and his ability to get his goals, dreams and visions out to the people as one of his strongest abilities as a politician. Looking from the Swedish horizon, she feels that Barack Obama can be a great role model for ethnic minorities in Sweden but at the same time she has her doubts about the possibility of a “Swedish Obama” in the near future. Her doubts aside, Beverly Glenn states with a smile how happy and proud she is to witness the historical event of a black man taking the presidency in her native country.
On the day of the event, the Urbanlife team (consisting of the editor Andy Collins, reporter Christian Hofverberg and photographer Veri Betnér) goes backstage to get a chance to talk to some of the performers. The first performer we chat with is none other than multi-talented artist, singer, actress and director Sharon Dyall.
- It feels so important to be here and I was so happy when Cyndee asked me to perform here tonight, she says. With no hesitation Sharon Dyall continues to tell how happy she is to perform with “the girls” at the gala. “The girls” she is so lovingly referring to are her longtime colleagues and friends in the Stockholm City Ladies Choir.
Besides herself, the rest of the members are Cyndee Peters, Gladys del Pilar, Consuelo del Pilar, Jessica Folcker, Kayo, Beverly Glenn and Vivian Cardinal. All of them experienced and well-knowned singers.
- I get at strong feeling of togetherness because I’m performing with my “sisters” tonight and because of the fact that we’re doing this for a purpose. I also hope that the Inauguration of Barack Obama can be empowering to people here in Sweden, especially ethnic minorities, and that the strong media coverage on him can help reduce some of the prejudice that black people have to deal with, Sharon Dyall says thoughtfully before hurrying back to get started on the backstage-rehearsals.
Soon after Dyall, another talented artist appears in front of us. Songwriter, producer and vocalist Aaron Phiri walks in, pushing a stroller while one of his two kids clings to his arm. Since this man also has a background as an MC there is no surprise that he has lot to say.
- I was born in Zambia, moved to the UK at the age of eleven and came to Sweden in 1996, he begins. When asked how he feels to perform at tonight’s event he admits being a little bit scared due to, according to himself, poor preparations. Having said that though, he says fortunately he is booked to use his freestyling skills as an MC so he feels comfortable using the tools that are second nature to him as an artist.
Aaron Phiri’s view on Obama becoming president is a mixed one. On one hand he feels it’s a huge event, unprecedented throughout history and a victory for mankind. But on the other hand he fears that symbolic meaning of Obama winning the election and becoming the first African-American president may shadow the bigger picture. The bigger picture being the situation for black people as a group but also the state of USA as a country.
- But I’ve been spending the weekend with some friends who are conspiracy theorists so I’m trying to focus on the more positive things now, he says with a laugh.
He feels that Barack Obama is very honest in his intentions to change things but he also states that to be able to do that Obama needs great courage and a whole lot of protection.
- I’ve grown up in an African country so of course I’m used to seeing black leaders but you can’t deny the importance of getting a black president in the most powerful country of the world.
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