Vocal
Baobab Biographies
The
Group |
| Taking their name from
the Baobab, sacred tree of Africa, Havana-based folklore group Vocal Baobab
are known for their own highly individual take on Afro-Cuban chants and
rumba. Specialising in choral style arrangements of the traditional spiced
up with the odd dash of more contemporary flavours such as rap, hip hop
and reggae, their high energy performances are characterised by explosions
of virtuoso dance, drumming and vocal improvisation.
Singing in Spanish and Yoruban, the seven performers of Vocal Baobab present a varied repertoire that connects their African roots with contemporary arrangements and rhythms, bringing out the Afro in Afro-Cuban. Vocal Baobab began in 1994, when one of their foremost supporters was renowned Yoruba Akpón (soloist) Lázaro Ros, with whose group Olorún Vocal Baobab’s Director Ramoncito first sang. With regular appearances at some of Havana’s most prestigious venues and at festivals all over the island, they were featured on Cuban television as one of the top folklore acts of 2000. As well as attracting the commendation of esteemed authorities on Cuban culture throughout their career, they have received accolades and played alongside current luminaries in Cuban music such as Changuito, Compay Segundo and Mario Rivera (Mayito) of Los Van Van. International appearances include tours to Portugal in 1998, the Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, USA in 2000, a British Tour in 2001 funded by the Arts Council of England and Visiting Arts, including their London debut at the Royal Festival Hall, and their visit to the New Zealand Festival in March 2002. Vocal Baobab and their music also appear in the compelling film documentaries by acclaimed Afro-Cuban Director and Producer Gloria Rolando. Their CD Sueño Yoruba is due for release in 2002 and future plans include a rumba -based CD headlining Mayito as guest artist. |
Last updated
Monday, October 21, 2002