CD Review | Nkeiru Okoye: When the Caged Bird Sings, Naxos

This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en: Français (French)

Nkeiru Okoye: When the Caged Bird Sings

Rita Coburn, narrator; Angela Brown, soprano; Christie Dashiell, mezzo-soprano; Issachah Savage, tenor; Jubilant Sykes, baritone; Cyrus Chestnut, piano; EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble; University of Michigan Choirs; Eugene Rogers,  chorus master; University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra; Kenneth Kiesler, music director

Naxos, 2026

It is rare to find a project so carefully considered as award-winning composer Nkeiru Okoye’s When the Caged Bird Sings. This “musical celebration,” as deemed by Okoye, draws on a wealth of African-American culture and history, alluding to Black writers, activists, athletes, politicians and more. 

The title itself recalls American poet Maya Angelou’s autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Centred on a coming-of-age story, this album addresses similar themes about the strength and transformative ability of Black women. Protagonist Cerise, sung by Christie Dashiell, faces racial prejudice, discrimination and peer pressure throughout her youth. But the hopeful ending portrays Cerise in a happy marriage with a child on the way, having persevered through various challenges with the support of her family and mentors.

When the Caged Bird Sings revolves around the African proverb and recurring message: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Cerise depends on her parents, guidance counsellor and church members—who represent faith generally—to help her find her own power. This album, thus, encourages a cycle of receiving support and extending it to one’s community.

“Musically, When the Caged Bird Sings is rooted deep within the sounds of the Black church, and cast in concert music tradition,” writes Prof. Mark Clague in the album’s booklet. This style allows for powerful emotional expression. From the many voices of the choir to the rich tones of the soloists, its sound completely envelops and engages the listener.

A highlight from this album is “I thought this life would protect us,” sung by the late Jubilant Sykes, who portrays Cerise’s father. In this song, he speaks to God about his hard work to provide a better life for his daughter. Its lyrical directness prioritizes immediate emotional impact. Aside from Sykes’s vocal prowess, this song also demonstrates the incredible skills of accompanying pianist Cyrus Chestnut, the orchestra and choir. The instrumentalists carry the piece through dramatic shifts in tempo and tone—from the matter-of-fact to the frustrated and desperate.

As Cerise, Dashiell shines brightest in the penultimate song, “You sheltered me.” Her clear voice alongside the piano washes over the listener like a refreshing breeze. The other soloists, Angela Brown (Mother) and Issachah Savage (Guidance Counsellor), are no less impressive. Both well-established in the opera milieu, Brown and Savage deliver full voices and appropriately dramatic performances.

When the Caged Bird Sings thoughtfully blends history, fictional storytelling and a variety of musical styles. Its greatest strength is undeniably its clear sense of identity bolstered by thorough research and a strong connection to its source material. With such depth, there is always something new to discover upon re-listening. 

This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en: Français (French)