About Us
Zofia Kumas, lead vocals & harmonium
Scot Dunlop, percussion & vocals
You will often hear us say that we are a “kirtan band.”
What is “kirtan”? It is a gathering to sing mantras, often in call-and-response. A form of yoga practice, it is music for the soul.
The mantras we sing are in Sanskrit, the language that comes to us from ancient India. Even apart from the meaning of the mantras, their sounds and rhythms have an uplifting effect on mind and heart. They steady and soothe the mind, express our deepest longings, connect us to something greater than ourselves, and enliven us with joy.
The melodies we perform are both traditional and original compositions. We arrange all our own music, offering our unique contribution to the World Music scene.
Our band name – SOULHUM – is a play on words. It is based on the Sanskrit mantra “so hum” which means “I am That.” It conveys the simplicity, depth, soulfulness and universality that we enjoy in our music.
Zofia and Scot started playing and singing together in 2017. In 2018, we began to host kirtans in Chelsea, QC and have continued to do so in yoga studios, retirement residences, and other venues across the Ottawa/Gatineau region.
We’ve also performed at various yoga/wellness festivals, including:
City of OM (Ottawa, ON),
Bhakti Bliss (Eganville, ON),
Bhakti in the Woods (Ladysmith, QC),
Surya Yoga Festival (Kemptville, ON),
Yoga Fest Chelsea (Chelsea, QC), and
Wakefield Wellness Festival (Wakefield, QC).