BBC - Radio 3 - Womad2004 - Afro Cuban Fiesta

AFRO-CUBAN FIESTA DE SANTO WITH CRISPIN ROBINSON (UK/CUBA)

Bata drumming originated among the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria and is now one of the most vibrant African legacies within the amazingly diverse Cuban music world. Percussionist Crispin Robinson is an omo aña (‘an initiated bata drummer’) who studied in Cuba for many years. He has also worked with Galliano, Brian Eno, Chaka Khan, Giles Petersen and others. He has an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and is also a storyteller and actor. He has performed bata music and myth at the National Theatre, the Globe and the Oxford Literary Festival.

At WOMAD he'll be leading a Fiesta de Santo (‘Festival of the Saints’) bata drum party and performance with song and dance. These festivals celebrate Santeria, the Afro-Cuban religion that underpins so much Cuban music and culture. Come and get taste of Cuba’s unique mix of music and spirituality – bata style!

Courtesy of Andy Morgan, July 2004

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THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS MUSIC ACHE
LAZ VALDES USA,FL

Musically, Crispin did a superb job capturing the feel of the Afro-Cuban Bata drums and ritual. What I think also led to the intensity of this performance was the Orisha dances performed by Guillermo Davis, who is featured in your photo. Please credit him on your artist title line and text as he made the performance really come alive for me and others. He also gave two of the best workshops of the weekend in Cuban Rumba and Conga dance.
Gary Newland, Norwich