“Virtues In Us” is the CD we recommend for our Radiant Hearts program. There are 19 simple and easy-to-learn songs each based on a virtue (with versions in both English and Mandarin Chinese). The tunes are upbeat and very easy to sing after you listen a few times to learn them, even without the CD for backup. The CD was recorded by Nabil Huening with children singing in the background.
“Nabil is a singer, songwriter, musician and performer. Nabil was born in Brazil and raised in America but considers himself to be a citizen of the world. He has lived in China for over 12 years and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Nabil has performed at numerous venues across China, regularly appears on Chinese television and radio programs and has played lead roles on CCTV night time dramas and sitcoms. Nabil’s passion is creating meaningful music relevant to the needs of our time.” (From Divine Notes.)
Here is our interview with Nabil.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: My name is Nabil David Huening. I was born in Brazil, raised in America, I have family in Korea, and I currently live and work in China but I travel a lot. I really love to travel, sing, and promote Baha’i music . I just spent two months in Brazil singing with the Baha’is of Florianopolis. I have traveled extensively in China promoting Baha’i music. I am now working on some projects in Dubai and am set to return to China soon. I enjoy making music, and I freelance as an educator, musician, and I frequently perform on Chinese television.
Q: How did you get involved with this CD?
A: I was asked by the Robart family to work on the CD in Beijing. I did a Chinese version and an English version of the CD for young children.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the recording of the album?
A: If I recall correctly it was for 3-4 year olds, a few years ago. It was one of three projects. I was asked to do an English version and a Chinese version. I also recorded harmonies over my own voice when there weren’t children’s voices. It was a lot of work and I lost my voice at the end but it was worth it. I think it was 2-3 days of straight recording and then a few days after that was spent mixing down the tracks.
Q: How is the CD currently being used?
A: I did some traveling around China and found many kindergartens are using the CD. I understand many Chinese educators are trying to integrate it into their curriculum. I just received an email from Karyn who said China mobile the big telecom conglomerate also wants to use some of the songs as ring tones.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the Virtues in Us program?
A: It is such a great project for developing virtues in children. I would like to be more involved as it develops and as I find more time to promote it. www.meidezaiwoxin.com is the website.
Q: What other music have you produced?
A: I have recorded many albums, mostly putting The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah to music. My last album was called “The Tree of Life.”
Q: What is your next project?
A: I am working on another album now, also of Hidden Words with my children. I already recorded one with my son.
Q: What websites do you recommend for people to find your work?
A: My brother Nathan has a site of English Hidden Words we did that he placed online http://the.hiddenwords.org/. You can find “Tree of Life” on Divine Notes.
Radiant Hearts – EMTG’s program for families with children under five to learn Baha’i prayers, Writings, and virtues together – is a practical way to add virtue learning into your routine. This CD is included in nearly every lesson. Check it out!
