Cuba: Santería Drumming and Vocals



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In the Santería religion each deity, or orisha, has its own dance step, drum rhythm, and song. As specific music and movements related to an orisha are performed, Santería worshipers attempt to draw the orisha down to possess them. The words in this excerpt focus on the orisha deity Oco and are sung in Yoruba, an African language. The San Cristóbal de Regla gourd ensemble heard here was founded in 1953 at a temple-home in Regla. The group played only for Santería rituals until 1962, when it was invited to perform at important cultural events outside the traditional Santería context. The ensemble includes three gourds, two cowbells, vocals, and two sacred drums, or bat´.

"Oricha Oco" traditional, performed by San Cristobal de Regla gourd ensemble, from Sacred Rhythms of Cuba Santeria (Cat.# Smithsonian Folkways SF CD 40419) ©and(p)1995 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. All rights reserved.

Appears in these articles:

Cuba; Santería

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