The London Lucumi Choir is a choir which explores the songs of the African Diaspora as expressed in Cuba. It is also interested in comparative regional song studies. The songs that we sing not only are still sung within ceremony and within living Orisha traditions, but they are part of a tradition which historically has been marginalised. It is also part of a history of resistance and survival after years of brutality, genocide, and displacement. It is a powerful testament to the fact that culture, ancient wisdom and connections can withstand the most brutal acts of Colonialism.
We see parallels between all anti colonialist struggles and therefore we support the Palestine people as we do all Indigenous people. We also recognise the importance of not being silent surrounding a time where a colonial project is involved in the ethnic cleansing and genocide of a whole people. We also recognise the importance of culture and uplifting the Culture of the Palestinian people, as a form of resistance.
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 organised 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 after two years of facilitating Orisha song workshops. The choir 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, Bestival, Shambala amongst others. 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). We have collaborated with many different projects and artists, including the Musical Project "IFÉ" and we were invited by Bomba Estereo from Colombia to perform with them in 2022. 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 received Pinadu in Havana in July 2018. I run an active Ile (religious house/Orisha temple) and have initiated nine Godchildren into the mysteries of the Orisha. I Recently published my first book: " The Lucumi Practitioner's Handbook" ( by Daniela R De Armas" available online and some bookshops. In addition to running the Choir and guiding Godchildren in the Lucumi faith, writing and studying, 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 and I love an episode of Coronation Street or Eastenders. You may have gathered by my diverse activities that I am neurodivergent.
