Valerie Coleman finds unity in struggle

Composer Valerie Coleman’s “Umoja” takes its title from the Swahili word for “unity.” The original version is a short and cheerful work that became one of her musical calling cards. But an expanded version for full orchestra sets those optimistic strains amidst a tapestry of musical struggle — a metaphor for the totality of the Black experience. Steve Seel features that work on this week’s show, which continues our celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month. 

Steve Seel is the host of YourClassical’s weekly SymphonyCast and the trailblazing music show Extra Eclectic. He possesses a broad knowledge of many musical genres, having hosted radio programs ranging from classical to jazz and even avant-garde music at radio stations around the country. Steve began his love affair with public radio at 24 working whatever shifts he could at his hometown station of WUSF-FM in Tampa, Florida, and from there worked his way to snowy Buffalo, New York, and its renowned classical station WNED-FM, where he hosted middays and the weekly experimental-music show Present Tense.  In 2005, Steve became one of the founding voices on Minnesota Public Radio's eclectic station, the Current. While there, he hosted afternoons and mornings, and conducted in-depth interviews with pop music luminaries ranging from Brian Eno to David Byrne to Tori Amos. Steve is a basement composer obsessed with all things both minimalist and slow, and might actually be incapable of writing anything that exceeds 75 beats-per-minute.


Steve Seel

Valerie Coleman’s extended version of her work “Umoja” depicts the totality of the Black American experience — one filled with struggle, resilience and unity. Listen to it and more on the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, with host Steve Seel.
