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What's This?

The London Lucumi Choir

Rank #27 London, UK Other / Orisha / Afro Cuban

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About

Members: Daniela R De Armas, Gerardo De Armas, Jim Le Messurier, Javier Campos Martinez, Hammadi Rencurrel, Collette, Mish, Anita, Nana, Sheila, Marcia W a...

Sounds Like: Yoruba Andabo, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, CLAVE Y GUAGUANCO

Label: none

Manager: Daniela Rosselson De Armas

Bio: THE LONDON LUCUMI CHOIR: The London Lucumi Choir was formed in November 2006 by Martha Galarraga and Daniela Rosselson De Armas and with the help of Percussionist Dave Pattman. Martha Galarraga is one of the most important Cuban female Akpwon’s (ceremonial singer) of her generation. The feeling o... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

: Ensayo mañana con Gerardo De Armas. Rumba de Sentimiento Manana

Press

“Their repertoire embraces Cuba's Orisha Song tradition.....in ways respectful,entertaining and completely mesmerising.”

— Jane Cornwell, Songlines

" But anyone can join can't they? ( Jamie Renton)" " Yes....It people are used to reading music they have to forget about that, because it is an African way of teaching. It's just call and response. people have to learn to use the ear.... (Daniela R De Armas)" from Froots Magazine pg 20 ( October issue)

— Jamie Renton, Frootsmag

"unless you're tone deaf ( which is a very rare condition) most people, even if they sing slightly out of tune can find their voice. A choir's a brilliant place to learn to sing. People that weren't used to singing together, now sing together. People that have never sung solo are now singing solo, people that have never sung harmonies are now singing harmonies. It's all to do with oral training and practise" Daniela R De Armas from Froots Interview with Jamie Renton.

— Jamie Renton, Frootsmag

““A wonderful performance and presence. A great sense of community spirit and purpose” Paul Gladstone Read ( Judge at the Cateogry Finals of the Bbc Choir Competition of the year 2008).”

— Judges Comment from BBC Choir Competition of the Year 2008

“We don’t only sing, we move to the rhythm of the drum, We clap, we interact with the rhythm. I believe that this connection is lost in most cultures in Europe. The drum is so important in Africa and in countries of the Diaspora and even in places like Ireland. Somewhere in our DNA, we are all looking to connect with the drum! Daniela Rosselson De Armas ( interview Rachel Ridge)”

— Rachel Ridge, Octagon Octagon

“Led by the powerful voice of its MD, Daniella Rosselson, this award-winning choir embraces both women and men and draws its members from around the globe. Argentina, Malta, Jamaica, Ghana, Spain, Cuba and the UK were all represented. After opening with songs and dance for Elegua – who resides at the crossroads and is the opener of the pathways - and the female river deities Afrekete (Yemaya), Oya and Ochun, we reached the centrepiece of the performance, "Time and The Trickster’s Heart". Conceived by pianist/composer Juwon Ogunbe this was a witty tale aimed at conveying the wisdom of the Yoruba belief system and it featured an array of scintillating vocalists.”

— Paul Bradshaw, The Arts Desk

“consisting of 20 or so members singing songs in praise of the traditional Nigerian Yoruba Gods via the Cuban Lucumi religion (Lucumi is a curious syncretic mixture of Catholic Saints and ancient deities), the choir are led by Daniella Rosselson, a London based Olorisha, or inducted female priest. The songs are joyful chanted spirituals complemented by the intricate clattering percussion of the bata drum. They deftly switch tempo, rise and fall in cadence, and swirl in excitable cycles skywards to the heavens. Without wishing to conjure up images of haggard tories grinding out ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ on Songs of Praise*, this is genuinely religious music. And so, the choir serve as a much needed antidote to the cynical half arsed appropriation of ‘world’ rhythms and melodies that is proving so popular with trend cannibalising second tier indie jokers, and will, if you allow them, greatly enrich your day.”

— Ian Mcquaid, The Ransom Note

“As debut albums go, Un solo Palo No Hace Monte (A Single Tree Does Not a Forest Make) by the London Lucumi Choir, is one of the more promising ones I’ve come across in a long time. From their choice of tracks to the cover design, the record exudes passion and dedication aplenty.”

— Mario López-Goicoechea, The Afro Latin Lounge

“A fantastic Review in Songlines for the Choir's debut CD. 4 STARS!!!!! "Rosselson’s incisive arrangements are glorious, exhibiting her deep musicality. "..... "With a refreshing live feel and high production values this disc communicates natural energy, vitality and joy with no weak moments.".... " The rapport between the rumba musicians of Gerardo, aided by batá master Javier Campos and the numerous singers is tangible.....Santería is about serenading the Gods and thereby inviting them down to join the party and bless with their wisdom. That certainly seems to be happening here." Jan Fairley ”

— JAN FAIRLEY , SONGLINES

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Songs

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Play "Sequencia de Palo"

Sequencia de Palo

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Play "Barasuwayo"

Barasuwayo

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Play "obatala sequence"

obatala sequence

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Play "Oya Sequence"

Oya Sequence

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Play "yeye rugan"

yeye rugan

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Videos

The London Lucumi Choir, Live at Rich Mix 24 4 12

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Shows

Full-Screen View »

Thu
Apr 18

The Union Chapel
London, UK | 6:00pm
The Union Chapel
London, UK
Thu Apr 18 6:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

The London Lucumi Choir will be supporting the amazing artist Concha Buika at this years La Linea festival
Thu
Feb 28

Brunei Gallery SOAS
City of London, WSM, UK | 5:26am
Brunei Gallery SOAS
City of London, WSM, UK
Thu Feb 28 5:26am
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

2nd Interfaith Music Festival with bands and a panel discussion from 11.am to around 9.30 pm. Choir on at 7.pm
Fri
Jan 18

Rich Mix Cultural Found…
London, UK | 12:00pm
Rich Mix Cultural Foundation
London, UK
Fri Jan 18 12:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Bringing in the New Year London Lucumi Choir Style with Special Guests and a screening of
2012
Dec 5

THE BOSTON ARMS MUSIC R…
London, UK | 6:00pm
THE BOSTON ARMS MUSIC ...
London, UK
Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

London Lucumi Choir Seasonal Celebrations!!
2012
Jul 15

Tynemouth Station
Tyneside, NEWCA, UK | 12:00pm
Tynemouth Station
Tyneside, NEWCA, UK
Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:00pm
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- Tickets
Details

free festival on the mouth of the tyne, tynemouth station!