Video seeks to bring sacred words to masses

June 13, 2017
Nathaniel in the video “Power Over All Things.” Reflecting on the words of Baha’u’llah, he said, “I feel that this is a very powerful prayer for aid and assistance and in this much sensitive time around the world we really need more of these powerful words available.”

MELBOURNE, Australia — Released last Friday, a new music video features Australian popular singer and performer Nathaniel Willemse singing a prayer by Baha’u’llah.

The song, titled “Power Over All Things,” was composed this year in honor of the two hundred year anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, which is being commemorated in October. Inspired by the hopeful vision in the Baha’i writings, the song is one of countless musical expressions unfolding across the planet in this momentous year, ranging from grassroots initiatives to national and international projects undertaken by professional artists.

Nathaniel, who is familiar with the Baha’i teachings, is originally from South Africa but rose to success as a pop singer in Australia. He chose this project because he felt connected to the beauty of the words in the prayer and the relevance of its message for the world today.

Pop musician Nathaniel Willemse (credit: Eva Rinaldi), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NathanielWillemse2014.jpg Slideshow
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Pop musician Nathaniel Willemse (credit: Eva Rinaldi), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nathaniel_Willemse_2014.jpg

“I feel that this is a very powerful prayer for aid and assistance," he said, "and in this much sensitive time around the world we really need more of these powerful words available.”

The song was composed by musical producer and songwriter Anise K., whose belief in the power of music to touch the human heart and to inspire has been largely influenced by the Baha’i Faith.

As the idea for the video was forming, Anise K. explained that he and Nathaniel consulted about capturing the right tone. In developing the concept, Anise K. wanted it to be filmed in nature, evoking Baha’u’llah’s love for nature and His retreat into the wilderness for two years of His life.

Regarding the selection of the lyrics for the song, a prayer was selected which was revealed by Baha’u’llah in a tablet to Queen Victoria in 1868: "O my God! I ask Thee, by Thy most glorious Name, to aid me in that which will cause the affairs of Thy servants to prosper, and Thy cities to flourish. Thou, indeed, hast power over all things!"

In that well-known message, Baha’u’llah emphasized the unity of the human race and praised Queen Victoria for abolishing slavery and for entrusting to representatives of the people the powers of government.

Reflecting on the project and its aspirations, Nathaniel explained: “I hope that this will be a prayer that will uplift people and bring them together.”