Orisha Music & The Power of Singing

Orisha Music & Workshops

A Celebration of Afro-Cuban Musical Tradition

Orisha Music Therapy offers a wonderful way to celebrate the vibrant Afro-Cuban musical tradition. Through this practice, we explore music from various ethnic groups brought to the Caribbean by enslaved people. Each song tells a unique story, connecting us to the rich rhythms and sacred melodies that shape our cultural identity.

As a trained Ryoho yoga instructor, Clarita beautifully combines gentle yoga and Qigong with music therapy to help individuals connect their bodies and voices. In this context, Qi refers to “life force,” the energy that fuels our being, while Gong means ‘to gather.’ Together, Qi Gong represents mindful movement that effectively harnesses this energy. This holistic approach encourages us to appreciate the relationship between music, song, and spirit, creating an inclusive space for all participants.

Connecting the Voice to the Orishas

Understanding our voice in relation to the Orishas invites us to explore deeper aspects of ourselves. The Orishas embody natural elements such as oceans, rivers, and mountains, serving as essential parts of our existence. In Andean culture, Pachamama represents the Earth as a living entity that provides life, nourishment, and protection. She is envisioned as a benevolent yet powerful woman, embodying life itself. Recognising our voice as a tool for expression allows us to reconnect with these natural elements and divine energies.

Singing creates vibrations that resonate through our bodies, generating positive energy. In Rastafari culture, this energy is known as “Irie,” capturing a sense of peace and harmony that enhances our well-being. We also encounter the concept of Ache (Ashe or Axe), signifying the spiritual power flowing through all things. Our voices activate this vital energy, reinforcing our bond with the Orishas and the natural world.

By embracing our voices, we harness this Ache, empowering ourselves in our spiritual journeys and daily lives. These vibrations can help release emotional blockages, alleviate pain, and promote peace, guiding us back to our authentic selves. Each Orisha holds a unique essence that resonates within our voices, reminding us of our connection to the environment and each other. As we celebrate this bond, we honour the rich experiences that unite us on our spiritual paths.

Afro-Cuban Chants and Rhythms

Clarita takes you on a journey, weaving hypnotic grooves and songs in harmony to the goddesses of the nature-based spiritual tradition of Cuba, accompanied by simple hand-claps and percussion. Accessible, enjoyable, and easy to learn.

Morning songs to Mother Nature

Clarita leads simple traditional Afro-Cuban morning chants that embody the concept of aché—the spiritual energy present in the universe —to create in us an inner equilibrium and harmony that resonates with the Earth. This is similar to morning ragas, believed to be particularly effective in creating a mood in harmony with the natural rhythm of the day and the awakening of the mind. They are known for their gentle melodic movements and a focus on the lower register (mandra saptak), which adds to their sense of calmness and serenity, just like these Regla de Ocha morning chants.