OKAN is an Afro-Cuban alternative duo from Toronto, Canada. Their blend of rumba, rock, timba, classical, jazz, and pop influences places them in the Latin Alternative frame. If you know the Afro-Cuban sacred traditions, you can hear hints of them, but OKAN blends many traditions into a delicious sancocho (stew).
They sing in Cuban Spanish with some Lucumí (Cuban Yoruba) words, but you don’t have to understand the words. OKAN is very good at expressing emotions, and the main emotion they express is pure joy. It’s wonderful to see diverse audiences enjoy Afro-Cuban music. Everyone comes together smiling and dancing, and that’s what African Diaspora drum, song, and dance traditions are all about. ¡Ashé!
OKAN in New York City
OKAN plays their fun Afro-Cuban alternative; at the David Rubenstein Atrium in Lincoln Center; on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 7:30pm. FREE. 🇨🇺
New York Venues
OKAN is the Heart of the People
OKAN means “heart” in Lucumí, the Cuban Yoruba language. Cuban Yoruba traditions are based on the forces of nature which we all understand.
The band switches effortlessly from folk traditions to Latin jazz and all kinds of fusions. They sing about migration, courage, and love. Elizabeth and Magdelys are obviously having a good time, and they’ll make you have a good time too.
Award-Winning Artists
Violinist Elizabeth Rodríguez is classically trained and was the concertmaster of Havana’s Youth Orchestra. Cuba produces outstanding classical musicians. Many go on to play jazz because even though jazz is from New Orleans, it’s Caribbean culture. The ferry used to run twice a day between New Orleans and Havana.
Percussionist Magdelys Savigne is from Santiago de Cuba, where a lot of Cuban culture, including changüi and son Cubano come from. She plays the sacred batá drums, and graduated with honors from Havana’s University of the Arts.
Cuban music is incredibly diverse, but mostly defined by the rumba of Havana/Matanza in the west and the son of Santiago de Cuba in the east. One is more African with Spanish influences. The other is more Spanish with African influences. OKAN is the whole package. They can take you into the sacred traditions as well.
Both artists are Grammy-nominated for their work with Jane Bunnett and Maqueque. OKAN is also a Juno award winner. Junos are the Canadian Grammys.
Sometimes OKAN makes you feel a spiritual connection with the Earth. Sometimes they make you want to dance, but OKAN always connects to your heart. We can all use a little refill of that right about now.
More Information
okanmusica.com
X (Twitter) @okanmusica
Facebook @okanmusica
Instagram @okan.band
YouTube @OKANMusica
TikTok @okanmusica
Ashé