Kabiosile
Productions releases two of the most invigorating illustrations of orisha music
and life to come out of Matanzas since Lydia Cabrera's and Josefina Tarafa's 1950's recordings recently released by the Smithsonian Institute. The
religious practices of Matanzas differ greatly from those of Havana.
Olorishas in the primarily Havana-centric Lukumí Diaspora, unfamiliar with
these variations, will appreciate these recordings that will
permit a bird's eye view into a familiar but distinctive Lukumí world, with a flavor all its own.
The listener (or viewer) will be immediately transported the town of Simpson, a
close but distant world that has been called the heart of Africa in Matanzas,
where life has changed little since time immemorial. In Simpson, the
cultures of numerous African ethnic groups permeates the air. On any given
day, walking the streets of the small town, one can hear batá, bembé, Egbado,
or Yesá drums resonate on one block, Arará drums half way down the street, and
bantú drumming on the following corner. Africa and her offspring burgeon
in Simpson.
This CD and DVD are sure to become valuable contributors to the documentation and preservation of Lukumí religious music and traditions for all time. Do not miss out on your opportunity to own these one-of-a-kind historical collector's items. Buy them today!
Bata
y Bembe de Matanzas I: La Presentación de un Iyawo de Chango
Experience the power of Matanzas-style Orisha music as
performed by Alfredo Calvo (one of the most knowledgeable and talented Afro-Cuban
folkloric singers alive today) and his Añá
Obá Tolá. The CD also presents, for the first time, the
incredible sound of the sacred Lukumi Bembé
Makagua, which were made in the early 20th century as war drums
for the Orisha Chango. The
drums are hot and Alfredo’s singing is amazing. A must have for all lovers
of Orisha music!
Alfredo Calvo is the last surviving
omorisha of Ferminita Gomez, Osha Bí, a Yoruba ex-slave who founded
one of the most important branches of the Afro-Cuban religion popularly
known as Santeria.Calvo, who just turned 73, was crowned a priest of Agayu by
Ferminita when he was 12 and she was 102.It was foretold during his initiation that he would be the person to
carry on the traditions of her house—and that he certainly has done.Hundreds of godchildren and many sets of Aña have been born in his
house (including the first set of Aña ever brought to the United States, by
Francisco Aguabella), and he has
taught dozens of drummers, singers, and priests of the religion.
“Fifty years from now, this will be considered one of
the most important recordings to come out of Matanzas,” says
Michael Spiro, master drummer.
Own it today for only $15.99 (+$5.45 S&H-Via USPS Priority Mail)
Vamos
al Tambor, volume 1: Presentations in Matanzas, Cuba
“Three Changos” is the presentation of three
new initiates or priests to the sacred drums, known as Aña. It documents the traditional Matanzas style of
presentation to the drums: the "kings" or “queens” are dressed in luxurious garments in the colors of their Orishas, and a complete
sequence of praise songs is played and sung (as opposed to the cursory Havana style
presentation in which only the initiate’s crowning Orisha is played to). The three Iyawos in this presentation (two men and a woman) were all “born” on the same day from
the same Padrino’s Chango.
Alfredo Calvo is akpon
(lead singer) and calls the Orishas down to Earth in his inimitable style (just the part where he sings to
Chango is worth the price of the DVD). He is accompanied by three of his finest drummers and members of the Santeria community of Matanzas.
“Wonderful DVD….This is a very rare
glimpse into the private religious practices of Santeria in
Matanzas, and done with great respect.Excellent quality….Highly
recommended.” Bruce Polin, Descarga.com
A bargain at only $25.00 (+$5.45 S&H-Via USPS Priority Mail)
