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.

DECEMBER 2024 (5 classes for $45; $15 for single class; $32 ongoing monthly subscription)

• 12/02—Closing:  Eleguá & Olokun. The 3 closing songs to Eshu let us know “it’s time to go.”  The ceremony then actually closes with songs to Olokun, ruler over the depths of the ocean where the light of the sun does not reach.
• 12/09—Eggun—Songs to the ancestors.
• 12/16—Oro Cantado—We'll end the series by singing to Orisha from the opening Eleguá to closing, as sung in ceremonies.
• 12/23—Eleguá—owner of the crossroads who opens and closes the way.
• 12/30—Ogún—God of iron and metals who clears the path.

JANUARY 2025 (4 classes for $36; $15 for single class; $32 ongoing monthly subscription)

• 01/06—Ochosi—the hunter lord of justice who hunts for truth
• 01/13—Inle—the herbalist and physician, patron of medical workers.
• 01/20—Osain—powerful sorcerer who knows the earth’s botanical secrets.
• 01/27—Orisa Oko—an Orisha of farming, he is a wise sorcerer of earth magic. Oke--the mountain peak and Obatalá’s pestle used to produce aché. Ogue—Changó’s companion, defender of his ways and champion of the truth. Kori Koto--a child deity who protects children and families; patron of the homeless. Dada—the crown who lives in the head of all humans from birth to the end of time. Ibeji—the sacred twins; orishas of joy, glee and mischief.

FEBRUARY 2025 (4 classes for $36; $15 for single class; $32 ongoing monthly subscription)

• 02/03—Obatalá—God of creation who symbolizes compassion & peace. Odudua—sent by Olodumare to finish the job of creating the earth and its people.
• 02/10—Babalú Ayé--responsible for bringing and curing epidemics.
• 02/17—Agayú—the spirit of the forces of the earth, symbolized by the power of volcanoes and earthquakes. Patron of travelers.
• 02/24—Changó—the owner of fire and lightning, and patron of music, drumming and dancing.

MARCH 2025 (5 classes for $45; $15 for single class; $32 ongoing monthly subscription)

• 03/03—Oba—goddess of lagoons, symbolizing fidelity in friendship.
• 03/10—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.
• 03/17—Oyá—the wind. Warrior queen of the spirits.
• 03/24—Yemayá—the vast sea. Mother of mothers. Intellectuality & wisdom.
• 03/31—Oshún—the river. Owner of the house of tradition.

APRIL 2025 (4 classes for $36; $15 for single class; $32 ongoing monthly subscription)

• 04/07—Orunmila—the master diviner who knows the future and has the power to influence our destiny.
• 04/14—Closing:  Eleguá & Olokun. The 3 closing songs to Eshu let us know “it’s time to go.”  The ceremony then actually closes with songs to Olokun, ruler over the depths of the ocean where the light of the sun does not reach.
• 04/21—Eggun—Songs to the ancestors.
• 04/28—Oro Cantado—We'll end the series by singing to Orisha from the opening Eleguá to closing, as sung in ceremonies.