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The Daily OrangeDry Yai delivers peaceful, political message in Schine performance
By Nya Wilson
Posted: 4/10/08, 1:31 AM EST Section: News
Dry Yai got the crowd out of its seats in the Schine Underground by offering a message of universal love.
"Remember the message: People should love people. People should respect people. Take care of women - respect them in the first place. We are all the same. Race does not matter," said AKlass, one of the singers of Dry Yai, who was seen on stage dancing as the group performed its entire album.
Dry Yai is composed of Pupa Bajah, AKlass and Dovy Dovy, three former refugees of Sierra Leone, West Africa. The group performed at the Schine Underground Wednesday, sponsored by the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association and the Student Peace Action Network.
The band is most known for contributing to the soundtrack for Oscar-nominated "Blood Diamond," starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
To the group, the name Dry Yai represents the hope for crying "Mama Africa."
The themes of the songs ranged from political to endearing, with lyrics including "she's my lady, she's my honey." The political lyrics referenced the corrupt government and the civil war presently taking place in Sierra Leone.
"We took the mic to preach," Dovy Dovy said. "There is no way for us to support the war but musically, and this is how we give advice to the youth."
The group has managed to use its political lyrics to spread their message. Dry Yai has performed in London, Maryland, Philadelphia and New York City, but feels more proactive at home.
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