This was the fastest collaboration with people from two different countries. I was invited to beyondmusic just a week ago, wrote a new song and found a great singer, with whom I clicked instantly. We talked about the subject 'conflict', brainstormed and then she went off to write the lyrics to the melody. Luckily, the percussionist I wanted to collaborate with, just answered after 15 minutes. And we made a great team. A lot of work but so much worth it, if you have two other people, who push with you. Thanks beyondmusic for making this happen!

Shunzo Ohno, references Japanese + African folk melodies as Ancestral wisdom guides humanity's rise towards our greater good. Collaborators, Ronan Skillen, Shaun Johannes, and Syssi Mananga contribute the intersections of calm and explosive resolve. Ascensions describes the currents of past and future within our shared present, while embattled in a pandemic. The continuous evolution intertwines both tenderness and bold courage. Conflict is expressed in the harmonic structures, transversing melodies, concluding w the unity of one note.

The conflict inside me, good vs evil, i´m like a puppet on a string tossed from side to side. I wanna be good from the depth of my heart, but most time it´s really just a thin line and i exist in both spheres How can we win the conflicts outside, if we even lose the little battles inside us daily

I put this poem to music that I discovered on the internet. It is supposedly written by a Maori poet over 150 years ago. It really resonated with me - I believe the route of all conflict lies within us all. This poem talks about how we create our own future and that we are both our own Devil and our own God - but the universe by it's very nature rebuilds what is destroyed. Therefore it is a song of hope. I am thrilled with the contributions from such wonderful musicians I discovered on Beyond Music. Thanks for the opportunity!

We grow up being taught to avoid conflicts at all cost. But sometimes, enough is enough and the day comes to stand for oneself, confront and return blow. The track started as a pure percussion track composed by Ronan in (4/7) and set the tone for an hedgy atmosphere. Syssi added the vocals and lyrics in lingala giving an afro vibe to the tune. Finally Izaiah finalized the production in his studio in Kampala.

Acknowledging the inter-connective bonds of people throughout the world, a universal pursuit unites us, revealing we are not alone. Now is our time to manifest alignment with our precious global community. Music inspires our hearts to beat as one. Children’s voices are integral to our commitment for humanity’s most powerful will for peace. A World Beyond represents a call-to-action to create our greatest transformation. United in resolve, Shunzo, Diego and Ronan collaborated to create universal optimism, determination and love through music.

From cycle to cycle, through time and space, we all feel the same need to be connected. Our desire for meaning and understanding is the very tool that connects, reflects and divides us. Asking the question, how is my home, my planet, my space? Look within to find the answers and act accordingly.

This song tries to capture the essence of our planet in all its splendor, its mystery, immense and beautiful like the sea.

Hypnotisee ("Hypnotized" in French) tells how one can get fascinated and soothed by the infinite beauty of our planet earth and its amazing nature. The track brings together musicians from the Americas, Europe and Africa and represents a true melting pot musical with Latin, Indian, classical and jazzy influences.

Ferdi started writing with the idea to create an duet-Type-a- song... hearing Syssi's voice he made contact and from there on...... Syssi Mananga & Ferdi Lancee together wrote this piece of music... Ferdi wrote the "european"part en Syssi the "african"part... as the song develloped they asked BM member and great drummer Juan van Emmerloot to complete the "groovy"part of the song...

Mokili means Earth in Lingala (Congolese Language). In this A Capella track with African vocals, Latin percussions, European classical influences and ethnic rap, Mankind's voices address Mother Earth in a mea culpa that transcends cultures and geographies. Mokili is based on an Afro - Cuban rhythm. There is a conversation of three different tuned congas in this rhythm. On top of that there is improvisation of another one. David added more percussion to give it a different touch.

For us to save and take care of the planet we first need to know how to take care of one another, work together towards healing from things as humans then as we heal the way we treat the planet will change. The song is about where we need to start in order to be able to work together, we first need first introspection, erase the internal turmoil for a fresh and healthy relationship with each other as humans.

This piece talks about the importance of rain and the effects of human-induced climate change in the world.

Syssi: Temperatures are rising, lands are drying out, forests are burning, our world is on fire. Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Its effects are every day more acute. Let’s hear our planet’s call for help and respond, together. Kate: Fire is a force of destruction, but it can also be a powerful force for change. The human race has inflicted destruction and suffering on our earth mother, but if we pay attention, it's also a call for us to awaken and take responsibility for our actions. This song is an echo of that call.

This piece talks about the importance of rain and the effects of human-induced climate change in the world.

Our planet is home of an incredible variety of species. Unfortunately some are today close to extinction, imperilled by human action. The song is inspired by the last rhinos and tells the story of one of this beautiful endangered wildlife animal being tracked down by poachers, from his own view point. Out in the wild, who s the real beast? Can we stand by, accomplice of decline of nature?

What emotions go through a migrant’s heart as they realize they are alone, far away from home? The amount of courage it takes to open their heart to a new life, find new love is unfathomable, yet it's possible when strangers extend a hand amidst the affliction of having lost everything. They are Born Today, on the day they face their new life with new fears and dreams. This song is a cry for help that is full of hope and trust in the human spirit of love, compassion and empathy.

Me and my friend Gigo from Heavy Machinery made a song and Sissi Mananga added her beautiful vocal and lirycs to it about the migrants in the world.Why is it that people have to leave their countries and suffer a migrant life? We hope that people will have a choice to live or leave their countries for a better life.

Years after letting her true love go because of family pressure, he is still the only one in her heart. If only she had stood up for him. If only she had fought for their incredible bond, if only she had tried to open their minds and hearts... Maybe they would have accepted him despite his difference, maybe they would be together today, maybe she could have been happy...

Falling in love is an amazing emotion. Finding your soulmate gives you strength, drive and audacity. Suddenly it's like everything is possible, like you can do anything. You're as light as a feather, you're flying high and the sky is the limit. The song is delivered in Lingala (Congo), IsiNdebele (Zimbabwe) and English. It s a panafrican collaboration uniting Syssi Mananga (Congo), Othnell (Zimbabwe) and Anewal (Niger).

Mopepe means “Wind” in Lingala. The song is inspired by a female artist touring the world and touching people’s heart through her music. Travelling from place to place, unhindered by borders or language, her precious gift heals the souls, eases the minds, and lifts spirits up, just like the wind…

There is nothing more powerful than the friendship between women. As Alice Adams put it: "I think women know how to be friends. That's what saves our lives." This song is about being there for someone through the hardest times. "I'll be the rock behind your back and the earth beneath your feet".

In the animal world, for many species it's the norm to be part of a flock or a pack, and function together for the common good of the group. What would it be like if we humans could also let go of our egos and all be part of the same team? We think there would be a big party! This song is about realizing you're not alone and embracing the joy of the shared experience of life. Featuring the joyful voice of Syssi Managa.

Nothing hurts more than being betrayed by the one you love. Going through the pain of a heartbreak, a woman wonders whether she can forgive. In West Africa, griots use Kora to tell stories of wisdom, at night. The beautiful kora translates the emotions of love, sadness, and doubts of our heroin, kept awake at night by the reminiscence of her lover's betrayal. The magical violins elevate the intensity of the song by carrying her dilemma. The tale is told in French and in Lingala (Congo) and was recorded in West Africa at night.

Matumeini is a fusion of Brice's jazzy and Syssi's Afrofolk influences. It tells a common and heartfelt story of hope. Through tough times and circumstances of life, recieveing or giving love is the best way to prevail.

I came across fantastic voices of Sepideh, Syssi and Sharon. Touched by their beauty and power I’ve decided to create a piece that each one of them will have a part and absolute freedom of expression. Basically it stands on improvisations of the ladies and a melody that I have written as a “child song” inspired by the conceptual idea of “the mothers voice as the first human voice we all hear”. As these voices may vary from place to place - they are all creating the same feeling in us - love. Please - enjoy.