The Clave Chronicles

Drumming and singing for the orishas

Rebecca Bodenheimer

The most well-known African-derived religion in the Americas is La Regla de Ocha or Lucumí, more popularly known as Santería. The music used to accompany rituals and ceremonies involves complex, polyrhythmic drumming and a huge repertoire of songs for the different orishas (Yoruba-derived deities), like Yemayá, Oshún and Changó. Rebecca breaks down some basic features of the religion and its diverse musical ensembles, as well as its widespread influence on Cuban popular music.

Songs played:
Elegua, Jesus Díaz y Su QBA
A Elegua, Merceditas Valdés y Yoruba Andabo
Güiro for Oshun, Afrocuba de Matanzas
Ogun, Bobi Céspedes
Y Que Tú Quieres Que Te Den (1991), Adalberto Álvarez Y Su Son
Y Que Tú Quieres Que Te Den (2005), Adalberto Álvarez Y Su Son

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Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

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