Music
Press
"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." - theransomnote.co.uk
"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, - theartsdesk.com
"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 "
- Songlines Magazine
"Their repertoire embraces Cuba's Orisha Song tradition.....in ways respectful,entertaining and completely mesmerising." Jane Cornwell, Songlines (Mar 01, 2012 - Songlines Magazine
Discography
Un Solo Palo No Hace Monte, released on London Lucumi Records available from CD baby.
Airplay currently on
http://soasradio.org/content/movimientos-03042013
Photos
Bio
HE 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 female Akpwon’s (ceremonial singer) of her generation. She was also the lead singer of the Conjunto Folklorico de Cuba for many years and had been teaching songs to the Orisha in England with Daniela. The feeling of wellbeing and Daniela’s passion for vocal arranging led to the formation of the choir. In the last four years Cuban Master Percussionist Javier Campos Martinez and Rumbero Gerardo de Armas have joined the choir. More recently Tony Urdaneta and Yolanda Perez, percussionist and dancer from the Conjunto Folklorico de Cuba have also joined. The members have grown in number from 12 to 25 and a waiting list and range from 16 years of age to over sixty. Members come from all walks of life and do not have to audition to join, or be practitioners of the religion although some members are. The choir became finalists of the BBC Radio Three choir competition of the year and have opened for Eliades Ochoa at the Barbican, sung as part of the Voicelab initiative at the Southbank they have also performed on Ben TV and been featured on BBC Radio London. They have also been heard all over Africa on BBC Radio Africa and have performed in many a club and festival. Many people have been inspired to join by seeing the choir perform live. The Choir have received two grants in order to commission and perform a contemporary piece of work written by Juwon Ogungbe and have worked with contemporary dance Company Union Dance. Director Daniela received an award by the Finzi trust to study Spiritual Song In Matanzas; The Choir released their first CD last year 2012 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thelondonlucumichoir2, it was launched at Rich Mix where they played to a sell out audience. Since then they have played Ethelburgers Church, the Vamos Festival In Newcastle, the brandeburg Choir Festival and had airplay on BBC Radio. They are also being played internationally on various radio stations throughout the world. Their CD received a four star review in Songlines and the also were nominated for best Newcomer and best group in the song lines World Music Awards early 2013. They are about to perform to a sell out concert opening for Concha Buika at the Union Chapel and are in demand for hosting workshops and performances all over the UK. They are indeed unique being a Community Choir but being accompanied by the cream of Afro Cuban Percussion in Europe. They are inspired by the great Folkloric groups of Cuba such as Clave Y Guaguanco and Los Munequitos de Matanzas although they have undoubtedly their own unique sound.
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