Join us for a remarkable opportunity to learn the songs to the Orishas from Bobi Céspedes, distinguished priestess and folklorist, and one of very few female lead singers (akpwóns) of the Lucumí ceremonial music. Drawing on sacred chants and stories from the Cuban Yoruba tradition, Bobi leads us in songs to the divine forces of nature and explores their significance through stories from AfroCuban mythology. In chants sung in a call and response pattern, we gather to praise Orisha and appeal for positive transformations in our lives, and the live of the planet.

Joining Bobi for the classes is Lichi Fuentes on small percussion and coro, and Elizabeth Sayre on congas and coro.

This workshop is suited for:

• Practitioners who find meaning and strength in gathering weekly to sing in celebration and praise of Orisha
• Practitioners who want to continue their Orisha studies
• Musicians and dancers who want to deepen their knowledge of the Lucumí music, whose influence permeates Cuban popular and folkloric music and dance
• Anyone interested in learning traditional Lucumí chants as a way of honoring nature.

No previous experience is necessary.

See schedule of upcoming classes below 

COST: $9/class when you pay for the month | $15 for single class | $32 recurring subscription payment.
Note: If you miss a class, you can still attend by accessing the recording. However, we cannot substitute a missed class for a class in a different month.

Sustain our work by becoming a subscriber! We keep our classes reasonably priced to encourage access by the diverse members of the Orisha community. When you sign up at the monthly subscription level you are helping support our team of 5 musicians and cultural workers who work diligently to bring you the opportunity to study with one of the elders and foremost akpwons of the Lukumí tradition. Subscribers can "attend" the Zoom classes live every Monday, and have access to the recordings and additional content. Click here to subscribe. The recurring monthly subscription can be canceled at any time.

REGISTRATION:  Please click here to register

Multiple online payment options are available. Once registered, you’ll receive a login name and password to access the song lyrics and class recordings.

FEBRUARY 2026 (4 classes for $36; $15 for single class; $32 ongoing monthly subscription)

• 02/02—Yewa—keeper of the tombs in the cemetery. She enters and exits the graves at will, making sure all is in order.  She resides in the graveyard and tends to the tombs entering and exiting the graves at will.
• 02/09—Oyá—the wind. Warrior queen of the spirits.
• 02/16—Yemayá—the vast sea. Mother of mothers. Intellectuality & wisdom.
• 02/23—Oshún—the river. Owner of the house of tradition.