“Now 12 Years Old, The London Lucumi Choir continues to do extra-ordinary community centred arts work and celebrates the rich syncretistic cultures of the African Diaspora while producing powerfully unifying roots music. Subtitled, Praise Songs for Oshun and Obatala in reference to two key Yoruba deities-forces of vital energy for many people across West Africa, Cuba, Brazil and beyond, this ten track CD takes listeners on a journey along lost London Rivers that ultimately find their source deep in the Kongo Kingdom.
Percussion integral to the ensemble is a prompt and rhythmic peg for vaulting solos and Choral harmonies that rain down like spring showers. Call- and- response features in all the arrangements; this is song as conversation, as shared emotion. The final track explores three separate Orisha traditions, the Choir skilfully guided by Candomblé. initiate, Ricardo Axé. and a re-mix giving the sign off an urban contemporary treatment. London is indeed lucky to have this musical powerhouse in it’s ‘burbs. ” By Chris Moss.
I am a London based Iyalosha, ( Priest in the Lucumi tradition) crowned with Ochun; who is passionate about the arts
I Grew up in London, mixed background, third generation musician. I went to study music in Cuba in 1986, since then I have done many things. I was one of the first Salsa Dance Teachers in London in 1989, before it became the sport of a million suburban housewives; formed Orchestra Salsa Y Ache in late 80's, toured and did many gigs for seven years; then formed Salsasonica which recorded with Buena Vista's Guajiro Mirabal. I have taught Cuban Music to children. I have also organised five musical trips to Cuba. I Have written about Latin Music, and I am passionate about singing and encouraging everyone to sing. I formally ran "singing for the terrified" at the Mary Ward Centre, in addition to a world music choir.
I formed the London Lucumi Choir in 2006 which has performed all over the UK, in major theatres such as the Barbican, the Southbank and Union Chapel, Rich Mix, The British Museum and the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. In addition, we have performed at festivals such as La Linea and Bestival. We have performed on Radio and Television and have
consistently been nominated in the Lukas awards, where we were second in our category in 2018 ( for contribution to Latin Music and Arts).
I Have been a practitioner of Santeria, also known as Lucumi since 1986. Between the years 1991 and 2005 I received My Elekes, Warriors and Olokun. In 2005 I
received my Ikofafun ( Ifa) and on February 9 2006 I became initiated as a Priestess of Ochun in Luyano, Havana. My Branch of the religion is La Pimienta. I was born from Obatala and Yemaya. My Iyatobi Oshainle passed this year and Omi Laibo is my Ojubona. I received Pinardo with Baba Funke and Omi Saide in Havana in July 2018. I run an active Ile (religious house/Orisha temple)
In addition to running the Choir and guiding Godchildren in the Lucumi faith. I am also a diviner of the Dilogun. I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a passion for art and nature, good music, genealogy and travel. I enjoy writing, beading and embroidery, when I have the time!
PS I also have adhd which predicts that I will decorate the entire house with different colours every few years!
