Saskatchewan musician selected to have work sent to the moon

Lac La Ronge Indian Band member Nigel Bell will be one of many musicians who will have their work sent to the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis Program.

The Artemis Program has a goal to land humans on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years and to establish a permanent base on the lunar surface. In advance, NASA is sending unmanned missions, which will carry commercial payloads, including the time capsules that make up the Lunar Codex.

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The codex comprises seven time capsules, each launched by a different mission. The first mission occurred in November of 2022, with several more planned in 2025.

“I was pretty blown away by the news, because that’s something that is so special having my music on the moon that’s going to be there for like a billion years,” Bell remarked.

Nigel Bell has won many awards for his music throughout the years. (Submitted photo/Nigel Bell)

“It’s really exciting news. I am still trying to wrap my head around the whole concept. It’s just wild.”

The Lunar Codex is described as a message in a bottle for future generations. It includes representatives from 259 countries and territories from Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East, and from Antarctica, which are firsts for many countries.

The codex also includes cultural works from artists from at least 148 Indigenous nations, with creative artists coming from all 50 U.S. states and its three districts and territories, and from all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.

“Because of this, the Lunar Codex has been called the most expansive, global, and diverse collection of contemporary culture of its kind,” a website about the project stated.

Bell learned about the Lunar Codex through a TikTok video that was shared by a fellow musician. He applied three weeks ago and submitted two songs from his album U R What U R Volume 2. The hip-hop songs he submitted are “Remarkable” and “Outer Space.”

“Most of the stuff I do and messages I put out is usually about pursuing your dreams,” Bell explained.

“I am strong advocate for Indigenous artists, and no matter where you are, whichever reserve you’re from, you can do amazing stuff where you are, so just really try to get that message across, especially for upcoming Indigenous artists. Follow your dreams and you’ll be surprised where music can take you.”