SOLAR  (Source Of Life Arkestral Revelation)

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
SOLAR  (Source Of Life Arkestral Revelation) originated in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1980 as the heir-apparent of the fortunes bestowed by its predecessors, Shree SunRays and Nu-Life Arkestra.  SOLAR’s original personnel and instrumentation included Rukiya Imani – piano/ lead vocal; Humaa Lewis – violin; Safiya Hairston – background vocal; Bindu Gross – alto saxaphone / percussion; Mamaniji Azanyah – bass.

Throughout 1980-81 SOLAR performed mainly in Louisiana, with the notable exception of a 1980 Kwanzaa performance at the Afrikan I in Atlanta, Georgia.  It was at this event that SOLAR realized the universality of its appeal, beyond being merely a “hot” local attraction.

SOLAR relocated and reorganized in Atlanta, Georgia in 1981, performing throughout the southeast region, opening for such notable acts as Afrikan Dreamland (Crescendo Lounge, 1982) and Lonnie Liston Smith (Agora Ballroom, 1983).  Following the 1983 release of their self-produced and only studio recording, Faith for My Mind, SOLAR fulfilled a successful weeklong engagement at the New Orleans, Louisiana 1984 Worlds Fair. The group had by then expanded to include Claudius Fabien - percussion; Immanuel Zechariah - saxophones/ flute/ misc. percussion (replacing Bindu Gross); Kariba Jendayi – background vocals/piano; Itiya Damali – background vocals; Ariyo – background vocals (replacing Safiya Hairston – who would later briefly rejoin the group), Olanyun – drums; Omelika Bynum – background vocals; Rudell Young – dance/choreography; Sadiyo – dance; Adama – dance; Noni - dance.  

SOLAR disbanded in late 1984 following their performance at the Nile Valley Conference at the MLK Jr Chapel Auditorium on the campus of Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.