Rosephanye Powell on Sorida: 

SORIDA is an original work rather than an arrangement. While serving at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, my husband, Dr. William C. Powell, director of the PSC Collegiate Choir, wanted an African song for the choir’s CD project. However, at the time, the music department could not afford to pay royalties for a published work. So I decided to research the possibility of arranging an African folksong. 

During my research, I came upon the word 'SORIDA' which is an African greeting of brotherhood and unity. Additionally, I found an African children’s song that plays on the syllables of the word 'sorida.' So, utilizing the syllables as a foundation (so-ri-da, ri-da, ri-da), the song developed. I composed my own lyrics, melody, and harmonies that might represent the meaning and far-reaching scope of SORIDA. 

After the choir used the song for its title track, I did not plan to have the song published. However, Dr. Andre Thomas, conductor (Florida State University), heard the song through a mutual friend and called to say that he wanted it published and wanted to use it immediately. So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to have Dr. Thomas expose my work (as did Hal Leonard)!

Website: rosephanyepowell.com