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Orisha Rituals in Matanzas - DVD Video |
LA
FUERZA
DEL TAMBOR
LIVE RECORDING OF A SANTERIA
CEREMONY IN MATANZAS, CUBA
produced by Kabiosile
dvd description
time: 90 minutes
in Spanish with English subtitles
“The Power of the Drum” offers a look inside the Santeria
religion as it is practiced in Matanzas, Cuba - considered by many
to be the region where the African roots of the religion are strongest
and best preserved. The DVD features eight segments from authentic,
live Santeria drumming celebrations for the Orishas.
Five of the segments showcase the sacred bata drums, called Aña,
which are the most fundamental form of communication with the African
deities knows as Orishas.
Two other segments feature the Lucumi Bembe Macagua drums never
before seen outside Matanzas. Another, highly unusual segment contains
almost 10 minutes of rarely seen or heard Palo songs accompanied
by the sacred bata drums.
Each segment or group of segments is introduced by an interview
with Alfredo Calvo, one of the most respected Santeros in Matanzas,
and members of his ile (Ocha house) talking about some aspect of
what the viewer is about to see.
There are also several drumming demonstrations:
• Palo rhythms played on bata
• Bembe Macagua rhythms and songs
• Two styles of Arara drumming
DVD chapters
The Power of the Drum - an interview about the
power of the drums to communicate with the Orishas
Rhythm for Yemaya - one of the young bata drummers
goes all out for Yemaya
Songs for Agayu - a full cycle of songs for the
Orisha of the volcano
Presenting Iyawos - an interview about how new
initiates are presented to the sacred drums in Matanzas
Presentation of Two Yemayas - Alfredo Calvo prays
to Yemaya through song to bring her down on her two newest initiates
Chango, the King of Dance - a priest possessed
by Chango dances in front of the sacred bata drums
Palo and Ana - an interview about the relationship
of the various African religions to each other
"Now, the strong stick has been broken"
- an unusual sequence of Palo Mayombe songs accompanied by the Lucumi
bata drums
Mixing the Drums - an interview about the power
of mixing several types of African drums together in one celebration
Guiro for Ogun - the conga drums and shekeres join
the bata drums to play for Ogun
Bembe Macagua - an interview about the history
of the Bembe Macagua drums, followed by an extensive demonstration
of these unusual drums
Bembe Macagua for Ogun - a live tambor featuring
the Bembe Macagua drums and some great dancing for Ogun
Bembe Macagua for Ochun - Ochun joins the party
to dance in front of the Bembe drums being played in her honor
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Price: $28.00 |
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"It isn't
often that you see drumming so revered by a community that is itself
so focused around the drum. And it is rare indeed to cross the line
from social to sacred: from drumming for fun to drumming for the gods.
La Fuerza straps you into the front seat on a trip to Matanzas, Cuba,
into the Lucumi spiritual tradition where the non-initiated rarely
go, and where cameras are rarely welcome."
Brad Boynton, Rhythmtraders.com |
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view movie clip
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Baba Alade Olamina, Los Angeles, CA
"It serves as an excellent document of the enduring tradition of the
drum, and its integral position in the folk dance, song and belief from
West Africa throughout the Diaspora. The honesty of this humble production
adds to the value of its authenticity. "
Chris Walker, Oakland, CA
"La Fuerza del Tambor" is a priceless collection of live footage, lecture-demonstrations,
and interviews from Matanzas. It includes landmark footage of Makawa drums,
as well as fascinating, in-depth conversations with Alfredo Calvo and his
drummers. This DVD is a must for all Santeros and students of Cuban folklore."
Thomas Altman Hamburg, Germany
" It is highly informative, especially on the subject of Matanzas traditions.
The footage is great; made me feel like being there again. I am sure I will
watch your film over and over again, and study the drumming, too."
Shannon Northcutt, Denver, CO
"It is very special to have such an intimate view into the world of
the Orisha, Santeros, Bata drumming, and traditional bembes."
Vanessa Lindberg, Eureka, CA
"The interviews are inspiring... And the words to the songs! Yeah,
baby. That ain't been done before."
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