When Navajo sibling duo Sihasin takes the stage at the Sunflower Theatre, their goal is more than just getting the audience moving — it’s to inspire hope. The band’s name, “Sihasin,” means hope in Diné (Navajo), a theme woven through their music, their activism, and their deep ties to the Colorado Plateau.
“We have such a unique lens of just bass and drums,” said bassist and vocalist Jeneda Benally. “Our sound comes organically from our Diné heritage, fusing traditional and contemporary music into something distinctly our own.”
Her brother, drummer and vocalist Clayson Benally, said their music serves as “the amplification of some of the social, cultural, and environmental injustices” they’ve experienced. It’s also a way to empower listeners. “We want people to leave our show with smiles and goodness in their hearts, feeling stronger and more connected,” he said.
The pair grew up playing together — long before music became their shared career. They first performed live in 1989 as members of Blackfire, a band known for blending punk energy with Indigenous perspectives. That band also included Klee Benally, the recently passed activist and sibling to Clayson and Jeneda. Sihasin emerged in 2012 with their debut album, recorded in the Durango/Bayfield area with producer Ed Stasium.
While their setlist spans years of music, two songs hold special meaning. Jeneda pointed to “We the People,” a call to reclaim the phrase as a unifying vision for a diverse nation. Clayson highlighted “Silence Is a Weapon,” a song from their Blackfire years that urges listeners to speak out and use their voices for change.
Beyond the stage, Sihasin has carried their message around the world. As cultural music ambassadors through the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad program, they’ve performed in countries including China and Armenia, sharing both their art and their perspectives on democracy and community.
The Sunflower Theatre show is part of a short Western Slope tour, and the duo says it’s a chance for all ages to gather — youth and elders alike. “Time is the most precious thing we can ever give one another,” Jeneda said. “We want to take this moment to celebrate our communities together.”
Sihasin’s music is available on their website, sihasin.com, and on major streaming platforms.
