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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- April 27, 2018 | Felix Contreras --
When I first heard ÌFÉ I was stopped in my tracks. Literally. I pulled the car over and just listened.
I recognized Afro-Cuban drumming and chanting, but it was coming at me with electronic furnishings that made their drums and vocals sound like a futuristic spiritual ceremony.
ÌFÉ is from Puerto Rico and feature a surprising back story. The group's debut album, IIII+IIII, is a fresh electronic take on tradition that's winning over even the most devout practitioners of the western African-based spiritual ceremonies that form the base of their music. That's hard to do with ritual music.
For their turn behind the Tiny Desk, Otura Mun and his ensemble unplug their drums for their first tune, an acoustic version of their "House of Love (Ogbe Yekun)". The sound of the second song here is what startled me when I heard the band's debut CD last year: the parts normally performed on Afro-Cuban bata drums and chekeres are electronically treated for a traditional prayer for the deity Oduduwa. By the last tune, "Bangah (Pico Y Palo)," the electronics have created a sonic playground that plays perfectly against the battery of Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Listen for the explainer during the performance by Otura Mun, who also gives a shout out to those struggling against the vestiges of colonialism still prevalent in Puerto Rico.
Read Alt.Latino's ÌFÉ primer.
Set List
"House of Love (Ogbe Yekun)"
"Prayer for Oduduwa (Para Meceditas)"
"Bangah (Pico y Palo)"
MUSICIANS
Otura Mun (vocals/percussion); Beho Torrens (vocals/percussion); Rafael Maya (vocals/percussion); Anthony Siera (vocals/percussion); Yaimir Cabám (vocals/guitar/percussion)
CREDITS
Producers: Felix Contreras, Bronson Arcuri; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Maia Stern, Dani Lyman; Production Assistant: Joshua Bote; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.
I’m Puerto Rican yes the Yoruba ancestors have left their mark on us we still have their original spirituality that they have practiced for thousands of years before being brutally forced on foreign religions like Christianity and Islam etc. I always wondered what our people’s original beliefs were before being enslaved. Thankfully I was raised around Santeria practitioners ifa (Yoruba spirituality) and others like Puerto Rican’s who have the Congo spirituality (Palo mayombe) because a lot of ancestors from the Congo area came too when they sent hundreds of thousands of our great spiritual African ancestors to our island. I’m grateful because I know what true spirituality feels like with religion I never had that feeling it was too forced with this spirituality you can actually feel it if that makes sense. Beautiful it brings tears to my eyes my guardian Orisha is Eleggua or in some places pronounced elegba. May the ancestors be with you all I feel very deeply about my African roots as a so called Puerto Rican(name given by colonizers). Asé.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rafael Maya recently and was astonished by the quality and power of their music. I was born in Brazil and my family has roots in the Yoruba/Candomble religion and these songs touch me deeply! Thank you Tiny Desk for bringing more global sounds to us. Gracias, Rafael!
Wonderful, like that soft-spoken person that you become silent for, just to listen.
Thanks for having them over.
Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱!
There is just a tiny bit of information missing which is all the African language used including the word Ife and the diety Oduduwa comes from the Yoruba tradition in Nigeria. Yoruba religion and language is still kept alive in the Americas by the descendants of the slaves taken there. From Brazil to Cuba and many other places. Great music.
"May we find the strength to free ourselves from this colonial empire"
Ive been trying to tell people we should dump Puerto Rico as a colony for a long time.
Respect. Yes, indeed. Looking forward to seeing them go it alone.
@@llIIIIlllIIIllI Sadly, colonies exist because people want to ascend a non-physical ladder in physical space. We can get in front of it, and extract resources. This demonstration of power only produces a self-similar desire to infect and take down the body from the outside. In NYC, it is clear. I answered some woketard on twitter if there was an equivalent term in the Puerto Rican community for Uncle Tom, among those in Puerto Rico? Look in the projects, I proposed "House Niggleito." Comfort and ease looks nice, but it kills the future.
Its interesting how much of the Yoruba tradition and culture propagated(heavily practiced till date) to shores beyond the Yoruba Kingdom. Fascinates me that the interaction between the Homeland and the Yoruba community shores away is so little, but the tradition lives heavily in the hearts of the Yoruba people in both parts of the world. Prayer for Oduduwa feels like an electronic version of sounds from a Yoruba traditional event.
Ladipo that’s What i said and one of them has an Igbo hat
Prayer for Oduduwa was meditative 🕊
The Ooni of Ife is trying to bridge the gap. He recently visited Brazil
@@OladipoAgoro The Ooni is coming to the U.S. in June to attend the Odunde Festival in Philly.
@@mkaijewett I might need to fly out. Thanks, I'll Google the gate and book my ticket
Thank you NPR, for always bringing different styles of music. I really like this group.
i hope to be on there some day..since they are open to diversity . www.tosinger.com
I think the same, sad to see so many racist people around the comments though...
I see practically only positive comments...
One of my faves from Tiny Desk. Many thanks to NPR for making it possible for me to experience this.
This is beautiful! I'm rediscovering my (diasporic) roots and this hit my heart. The work they've made is intriguing, blessed and powerful. They have a new fan! Thank you for shining a light on this group. May more blessings come their way. ♥
Africa represent! Nigeria! Yoruba! Puerto Rico! Cuba!
Jamaica! 😉
@@bl00dhoney Now that would be a beautiful world we could all LIVE in.
@@michellekinney6235 😒
Argentina presente!!!!
It's awkward seeing them use Yoruba words. I'm just wondering where the darker skinned Caribbeanos are
PUÑETA!!! PUERTORRO EN LA CASA!!! Tremendos musicos!
I am going to see them Berkeley, CA next Saturday night (7/28). I was introduced to them from this NPR and now I am a fan. Looking forward to seeing them next week.
You know I was prepared to come to work and deal with a bunch of crap. Just in a real crappy mode. After listening to this, I feel rejuvenated and like I can conquer anything. Thank you for this. I am going to be successful now and forever!!!!
you seem to be a Beautiful person - a Person of Beauty. Unless I'm wrong about you -- Carry on!
ifé is so magical. i love their music. thanks npr for providing a platform for their sound.
00:01 House of Love (Ogbe Yekun)
07:05 Prayer for Oduduwa (Para Meceditas)
14:21 Bangah (Pico y Palo)
This makes me so proud of the Yoruba culture. I'm definitely sharing this.
The last song, "Bangah", is truly something out of this world... and the form it took live in this performance is amazing. If you love music, no matter what genre, that performance is some kind of pure rhythmic and melodic masterpiece.
Traditional Afro-cuban sounds getting a new treatment. Ase!
Music is meant to make you feel,escape,fulfill ...they made us feel all that.thank you
Puerto Rico!!!! Thanks NPR for bringing the world together.
Santeria. Grew up with this...& Catholicism & Buddhism, choices & lots 'o good music. Love my Cuban roots.
I love Tiny Desk Concerts, they bring us such an eclectic mix of great artists. I am officially addicted to NPR!! IFE is incredible!!
I'd be in a dark, cold, damp place without this Channel - complete gratitude they exist!
I love these gifted musicians. Great performance. ❤️👍
Don't know why. . lit some sage and cried. Don't understand a word, yet it's BEAUTIFUL! THANKS 💕
My eyes got teary as I read this
These drums are no different than that energy you feel when you hear a whistle blower on a native drum at a pow-wow. This ancient African energy is amazing when their dancers are present........
This is way ahead of it's generation... Consider myself lucky to discover NPR music
bvbvbhcysdfhvuioarrrrrrbv
^^^^^ my brain when I found this today
Is good Cumbia...vocals and percussion style reminiscent of Spirit Chaser by Dead Can Dance
nah men sorry. but for us latinos this is just traditional music
It's the exact opposite of that. This is like, very very cultural and based from their Puerto Rican roots.
I really respect what IFE are doing, it's taking folk into a whole new dimension.
Wonderful fresh interpretation of the roots of Cuban and Puerto Rican music.
Luis LEAL They are singing sacred Yoruba music. I've seen and met them before. They are Orisha priests/devotees.
Yoruba music & the music of Yoruba descendats... don't confuse it with Latin anything
Yoruba music is probably one of the main roots of latin music especially Cuban and Puerto Rican
There is nothing more universally uniting than music, kno dat!! ❤️
Igború Igboya Igbocheche
Thank U Brothers and Sisters for so Beautiful Music. Love are Religion Believe love are Music.
Maferefun My Father ODUDUWA.
I think most of the world is beginning to awaken. We have, most of us, a desire to reclaim our power and to help others do the same. Love to all.
Wow how am I only seeing this now???!!! Love themsoooooooo much !!1
IFE is what happens when you fall down the TDC rabbit hole and end up in Wonderland. So Good.
These guys win. Give them the prize.
No puedo contar las veces que me he escuchado este live. Me encanta!
** I really dig that prayer song ! soooooooo coooooool and soooooooooooothing ! GOD Bless
Just finished watching Vasen, which made my heart soar. Felt like just basking in that, and then this came up next. Just wonderful. I love what you guys have created with TDC. A joyful, intimate, transcendent, diverse, unifying thing, full of surprises and wholly life affirming.
I'm as stunned by this as when I heard the first Ibeyi album....So different, so tribal, so moving....
guy in the red hat is absolutely living his best life, look at him jam on those bongos when hes not singing
i stumbled upon this but i am thrilled because i was captivated up until the moment i heard a nod to the late great Hector Lavoe, then i really became interested. The Aguanile jam was when i decided i had to comment. I was especially intrigued when he described the process of installing sensors in percussive instruments to turn them into midi controllers to create a live impromptu electronic sound. Great project and thank you NPR for always doing it right.
Thank you for this band! It's really hard to play minimalistic music and keep the attention of the audience. ÌFÉ did it very nicely
OMG. So good. I have been taken away by this music & I don't wanna come back.
For me, you guys are better live than your album. Nice. This stripped back version of "house of love" is so smooth - release it!
Totally agree
Makes my soul feel good,I love everything NPR puts on TH-cam
Except their news
This is deep and resonant and makes me want to move at the same time. Beautiful.
Alafia! May Esú continue to bless you all!
This performance was hypnotizing. Thank you NPR
NPR music is the best ,I don't know what would do , if they ever decide to close this show🙌🙌🙌🙌
Beautiful, lyrical...reminiscent of Brazilian music and South American vibe....
Its quite fascinating how i'm hearing Yoruba here...although it has been transformed as a result of time, its still beautiful.
3:30 yes/ my grandmother was also Africano Y muy Blanco.. beautiful work here... Ella hablar
Really . The music is original language for all the world ..
Im from sudan and definitely not understand what they says but I feel the music .. yes I like it ❤✌
I adore this so much! Absolutely what I needed this morning. Thank you!
It's strange how much this feels like home.
Reminds me of Ibeyi's performance when they were at Tiny Desk!
still one of the best recordings to ever come out of Tiny Desk
Which other sessions impressed you?
besides this IFE one, the 5 (now 6) best are (in my opinion and in no specific order):
Anderson .Paak,
Steve Martin,
The Roots ft Bilal,
Fantastic Negrito
St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Bushy One String
@@TroutBoneless okay thanks for your answer. Appreciate it
No me canso de verlos/oirlos!!!!! BUENAZASAZOSSSSSSS los hermanos borinqueños siempre representando! Mucho Axé para todxs desde la patagonia...
Good way to start this early Friday morning 👍
You're right on!
Second that!
Steven Mcilwain so true
Belíssimas músicas! Não conhecia o grupo e vou divulgar aos amigos. Parabéns!
Just a great vibe overall, thank you NPR.
Vibrations lifted!❤️
The innovation dealing with the sensors within the drums was amazing; not to mention the great performance.
They're absolutely amazing!!! Thanks npr!!! And pls pls pls release the acoustic version!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I'm in love...
This is just beautifully unbelievable. WOW! Just T H A N K S for this!!!
Greatly appreciate the background history, explanation of the group's name and history and the names of the musicians. Their music is haunting and gorgeous. Yes, I assumed they were Cuban too.
Was not ready for this accidentally press play and blown away.don’t even know what they saying only music can do this.
thanks NPR for bringing amazing music....
Condamn my music sense, but this is one of best pieces I've heard! Can't live without it, it's so perfect!
Even though the left Guy with the glasses looks like the mandarin from Iron man, this Sounds so dope, rythmic, futuristic, deep and also light. Just chill
Janni S I laughed a little too hard at this. Accurate 😂😂😂
THAT'S what it is! I thought he looked familiar. Honestly that makes me like it even more, that's one of the best characters of all time. Ben Kingsley is so hilarious.
Hahahahaha 😂
Listening to this got me stone to the bone :) Thank You NPR and Thank you IFE...beautiful music my guys :’)
Didn't understand anything but I smiled the whole time. ☺😊
Seat comfortably, close your eyes and let yourself leave this experience.
Prayer for Oduduwa for the first minute or so sounds very similar to Ibeyi! It's pretty crazy
Maaz Shaikh crazyy? Not really they're devotees of the same religion, Ifa, and make music from that tradition. They're probably playing very similar drumming patterns, singing parts in the same language, same harmonies.
Good ear for the details.
They're both mining Yoruba tradition, right?
Maaz Shaikh it's all the same culture educate yourself
I think it is the same exact song (prayer?) that Ibeyi sings at the beginning of their Tiny Desk concert. Very interesting to hear the different treatments of it.
instantly in love with the guy with red hat's soul
His body is pretty fine too. Wrap me in those arms!
Damn. Half way through the first tune, and yup, I'd sell large portions of my anatomy to possess the rhythmic sense that these folks have.
Some days I can't even play 4 crotchets in time and I've been playing for over ten years. They must have been dedicated to this for a loooong time.
nooneknows I feel yah. But you know what? I’ve been practicing with a metronome every night since I watched this and am seeing real improvement already.
I’ve still a long way to go to make syncopation effortlessly second nature* but my internal meter is noticeably better. I do live looping and my overdubs are tighter and I’m nailing the loop starts way more consistently.
I used to hate the metronome, but now it’s gotten to be kinda fun, in an almost meditative sort of way.
*one of the problems with having a half-assed background
No one is born with it! You just gotta work for it. You can do it!
Taci
They made me smash that like at the last song, just beautiful.
Gotta love Yarimir/MiMa's voice 💖💯 Grandes, ÌFÉ 💪
She carried the performance for sure!
Loooooooove this. Anthem for the month.
A great mixture of musical ideas, beats and sounds
That hit the spot! Thank you 😎💃💃💃💖💖💖
Qué bonito tíos. Suena muy bien. Muy original. Precioso.
Everyone should see their official video for house of love. Super sexy music.
thanks !
I've got so much time for IFE man
Carajo como es que vengo a saber de ustedes solo hasta hoy. Orgullo me encanta.
you guys are simultaneously cranking up the great and weird at the same time with the last few performances
good stuff
I wouldn't be surprised if i hear any of their track on the next Black Panther movie.. too good this band!
@ludwiggoransson
Had me from the first chords of the first song.
Look around look around how lucky we are to meet IFE....see you in nyc....😎
Boricuas! Bien hecho!
The first song is great without electronics!
This is unbelievably cool!!!!!
Genius!!!!!
Me encanta!! Thanks NPR, and Thanks ìFÉ!!
This whole album go hard
Iboru Iboya Ibosheshe 🔰🐘
i was search some random stuff on youtube and i came across this song.. omg i love it
Great way to start my day.
the quality of this is absolutely amazing.!!!
THANKS!!!!
this is a revelation.
indeed
THEY SING IT BUT THIS IS OUR BIRTH RIGHT AND BLOOD . ASHE YAMAYA ASHE SHANGO ASHE ORULA. AND OBATALA
Ashe OSHUN
We was forced to learn the language of the oppressor even the religious beliefs BUT WE KEPT OUR OWN TRADITIONS
This is very very uplifting and original, love the sound!!!!
I love this! I feel like I want them to tour with Ibeyi. I hear similarities in certain moments.
and come to Arkansas on tour! lol
Agreed! Imagine the energy of those two touring together.