Voices of a Nation

Biography

Based on the available search results, 'Voices from the Nations' (not 'Voices of a Nation') is a music and cultural initiative rather than a traditional musical artist or band. Founded by Martin Neil and Rebekah Borden, the project operates as a platform for promoting indigenous cultural music and traditional storytelling from around the world. The initiative focuses on documenting and celebrating musical expressions from diverse tribes and nations, with a particular emphasis on First Nations communities in North America, as well as partnerships with indigenous groups in Tanzania, Cambodia, and other regions globally.

Fun Facts

• Martin Neil has incorporated instruments from around the world into his performances, including the tuelle (slit drums from Tahiti), Anklungs (bamboo shakers from Indonesia), kutirindingo (Mandinka drum from the Gambia), tama (talking drum from Nigeria), and the Native American flute.
• The 'Sing to the Well' project in Tanzania generated music sales that funded not only a well but also a medical dispensary with solar power and medicines for the village of Mnase.
• Martin Neil is frequently quoted saying with 'deep gratitude and laughter' that he has 'the best job in the world,' reflecting his passion for cross-cultural musical collaboration and community impact.
• The 'Wake Up Sleeping Giant' CD was recorded across multiple locations including Longview WA, Rainier OR, the Siletz Reservation, Los Angeles, San Diego CA, and the UK, reflecting the geographically dispersed nature of the collaborative project.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Master drummers from multiple continents - Martin Neil learned from master drummers during travels throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, incorporating authentic indigenous rhythms and sounds into his performances (World beat musical tapestry incorporating instruments like tuelle, Anklungs, kutirindingo, tama, and Native American flute) [Ongoing throughout his career development]

Key Collaborators

• Jerry 'Drumspeaker' Chapman - First Nations drummer, drum maker, singer and songwriter from the Stó:Lō nation; featured on 'Wake Up Sleeping Giant' CD release (Wake Up Sleeping Giant) [Recent collaboration]
• Wagogo people (Tanzania) - Partnership to tell their story through music and video (Sing to the Well) [Ongoing]
• Various First Nations communities - Multiple partnerships across America and Canada to document and share indigenous stories through music and video (Wake Up Sleeping Giant and other projects) [Ongoing]

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found)