vocals by Lorenzo “Bobby” Masi; from the poem “Invictus”.
Background: “Invictus,” written by William Ernest Henley in 1875 and published in 1888, is a Victorian-era poem renowned for its defiant and resilient tone. Composed while Henley was recovering from a leg amputation due to tuberculosis of the bone, the poem reflects his personal struggle with physical adversity and his determination to remain unbowed by suffering. Its Latin title, meaning “unconquered,” encapsulates the poem’s central theme of inner strength and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. The work gained further prominence through its association with figures like Nelson Mandela, who found inspiration in its lines during his imprisonment, cementing its legacy as a universal anthem of human fortitude.