Afoxe song rehearsals

Afoxé Song Rehearsals

Hello Afoxé Vocalists,

We just wanted to say a massive thanks from us for last night (17th June) - the very first Afoxé session! Glad you were a part of it; it sounded great and is going to get stronger and stronger as the weeks go on and the drums/dance get under way...

Anyone who missed out need'nt worry; there were about 4 people who couldn't manage to get there and you'll catch up easily. There's plenty of time before the event anyway so no stress there; that said though it'd be better if everyone can make as many of the sessions as possible to get it nice and tight.

We will be updating this page regularly with any changes in material and audio / video files for your reference. These leaning resources are only for the use of Afoxé participants so we would be grateful if you do not share this link with anyone elase..

Here's what we have covered so far!

SAUDAÇÃO

CU ORU EM MA CUERU

EM MA CU ORU EFON

Play the audio file below in your browser or click here to download the sound file of the last session (MP3) ** Please note this may take some time as it is a large file!

OYA

ELOYA ELOYA O

ELOYA OBA XIRE OBA XIRE

LOJA ELOYA O

Play the audio file below in your browser or click here to download the sound file of the last session (MP3)

** Please note this may take some time as it is a large file!

Oya is the powerful Yoruba Goddess of the Winds of Change; the Primeval Mother of Chaos; Queen of the Nine (for the nine tributaries of the Niger River). Using her machete, or sword of truth, she cuts through stagnation and clears the way for new growth. She is the wild woman, the force of change; lightning, fire, tornadoes, earthquakes and storms of all kinds are ruled by Oya. She is also Queen of the Marketplace, a shrewd businesswoman and adept with horses. As the wind, she is the first breath and the last, the one who carries the spirits of the dead to the other world, which is why she is associated with cemeteries.

Oya is known as a fierce warrior and strong protectress of women, who call on Her to settle disputes in their favor.

OXUM

MORO MI MAE

MORO MI MAE O

MORO MI MAE, O YE ABADO,

OYA YE YE O

AI AI RA DA OXUM

OXUM MIRERE O

Play the audio file below in your browser or Click here to download the sound file of the last session (MP3) ** Please note this may take some time as it is a large file!

Oxum is the fresh water goddess of love and luxury, who is both graceful and refined. She likes to admire herself in her golden mirror and is often seen bathing in the river, singing sweetly. The movement of the dance of Oxum invokes both the wave imagery of a river and the vanity of Oxum, as the dancers turn around looking at themselves in their "mirrors." The rhythm played for Oxum is calming and the song is soothing, but can speed up and become more playful as the dancers show off their wealth, happiness, and pleasure. Oxum is represented by the colors yellow, gold, and coral.

OXALA

ARA WARA MOTI BE MOTI BA O B ARO

BAU BAU DURE A O BEO

ORIXA BA BA ORIXA BEMIO

ORIXA BA BA OGUIAN ORIXA BEMIO

ODURE ODURE O E NA LA E MA MA JO E SHAGUIAN

E MA MA JO E SHAGUIAN E MAMA JO ESHA LOFAN

E PE JA E PEJA ODO

BABA OKE

Play the audio file below in your browser or Click here to download the sound file of the last session (MP3) ** Please note this may take some time as it is a large file!

Oxala is considered patient, just, aged, and venerable. In the terreiros, one often hears that Oxala "walks slowly but always arrives at his destination".

In Yoruba religion, Oxalá is a creator god; he made human bodies, and his father, Olorun breathed life into them. While Olorun is considered the creator of the universe, Oxala created the world and humanity, being seen as the father of Orixa and humankind. Oxala is also the owner of all heads. Any Orixa may lay claim to an individual but till that individual is initiated into the priesthood of that Orixa, Oxala still owns that head.

exu

1. e Barago E Mo Jubara Awa Ko Se

e Barago E Mo Jubara Omode Ko Eko

e Barago E Mo Juba Elebara Exu Lona

2. bara o bebe tiriri lona

exu tiriri

3. laroye

ago Ago lona (not yet recorded)

Play the audio file below in your browser.

We did not record the last session.

NOTE: These were recorded as a learning aid at the first

Global Grooves Candomble course. Song two has slightly

different phrasing to theversion we will do but should give you

an idea. These will be replaced when we record the next session.

Clothed in red and black, Exu is the Guardian of the Crossroads of

Life to the peoples of Nigeria, Benin and to Afro-Cuban / Brazilian

practitioners of Santeria and Candomble.

Also known as Elegua , he sees in all directions and watches

humanity, laughing at their weaknesses, encouraging their

strengths. Whenever there are decisions to be made, Exu provides

opportunities and second chances — if you're lucky.

The childlike Exu often complicates things. With a wink,

he can turn a simple choice into a huge conundrum.

Paradox is his favorite pastime.