In the Orisha faiths, Obatalá is the sky father, son/daughter of the one God (Olodumare), and creator of Earth and humans. Yoruba culture of modern Nigeria, Benin and Togo is considered the mother culture of the Orisha faiths, but there are related traditions up and down the West Coast of Africa. If you strip away the religious concepts, the Orishas are forces of nature … [Read more...] about Celebrate Obatalá, the Orisha Who Made the World and People
Yoruba
Celebrate Oshun, Yoruba Orisha of Fresh Water, Fertility and Love
Oshun is the Yoruba orisha of fresh water, fertility and love. She is young, petite, beautiful, and a little bit vain. She likes to see her beauty in her mirror. But don't underestimate her. Oshun is one of the most powerful of all the orishas. When there is no other solution, she will find one. And she loves humanity. Characteristics of Oshun Oshun wears yellow and … [Read more...] about Celebrate Oshun, Yoruba Orisha of Fresh Water, Fertility and Love
Yewá Dances in the Cemetery to Help the Dead Move On
In the Caribbean, Yewá is a warrior orisha of fertility, chastity, loneliness, and death. She doesn't cause death, she helps us get through it. She has other meanings in Mother Africa. [NOTE: These are oral traditions that vary by region, town, and even family. We don't do religion. This is culture, a very beautiful one. It's a Caribbean framework for understanding the … [Read more...] about Yewá Dances in the Cemetery to Help the Dead Move On
Banda Iroko Will Make You Want to Dance Like You’re Madly in Love
Banda Iroko is a collaboration between Israeli bassist Avishai Cohen and Nuyorican conguero-vocalist Abraham Rodriguez Jr. This is Jerusalem meets Loisaida (Lower East Side). Our point of view is that there is nothing better than when someone from one culture fully understands someone from another culture. That's what happens in both directions with these two artists. They … [Read more...] about Banda Iroko Will Make You Want to Dance Like You’re Madly in Love