Պանզի

Two live performance recordings of solo duduk and vocal by BONZIE, recorded at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, California.

Background:

I’m Armenian.  growing up in Wisconsin in the US, that wasn’t exactly something I openly shared.  I was laughed at for my odd sounding middle name, I was made fun of for the delicious sarma or manti I would bring for lunch that my grandma lovingly made.  my teacher in elementary school told me Armenia isn’t a real country, and I must be trying to say “American” (lol).  I slowly learned to lean into my non-ethnic side when I was out in public, in order to be more accepted by the majority of people I met.  the truth is, you cannot know me as an artist nor as a person without understanding my Armenian roots.  I was raised in a culture that understood the power of spirituality, that humbles itself before a larger power, and that loves really hard.  a tough, resilient community of Armenian women who taught me never to apologize for myself.  my Armenian upbringing taught me how to work hard, be strong and have faith, even when things get tough.  It taught me to be kind and serve those who are in need before myself.  I would be a very different person if I wasn’t raised in that culture.

now, at this juncture, I feel more compelled than ever to express my connection to being Armenian.  I feel compelled to have pride in my immigrant roots.  for my great grandparents escaped a genocide.

their perseverance through oppression is the reason I’m alive today.

“Soorp” means holy.  “Soorp Asdvadz” dates back as early as 230 AD.  a uniquely Armenian melody and native language.  “holy god, have mercy on us”; a prayer and a plea.

enjoy one traditional Armenian song and one Armenian song I wrote.  singing with my grandparents and great-grandparents in heart and mind.  alongside my favorite Armenian instrument, the Duduk, performed by Mher Mnatsakyan. 🇦🇲

Videos filmed by Jack Lawrence Mayer

Recorded by Ben O’Neill

Cover art design by Rob Carmichael, SEEN

“Soorp Asdvadz” «Սուրբ Աստուած»

“Soorp” «Սուրբ»