The Cuban singer Daymé Arocena shared in a recent interview with Puerto Rican influencer Juan Víctor Feliciano (@donjuandelcampo) her surprise when visiting Puerto Rico and noticing that many people were unaware of the Yoruba origins of a very popular song on the Island of Enchantment: "Aguanilé".
"That was not invented by Héctor Lavoe, that is a song to Oggún. How do they not know it, how do they not understand that connection?" the Cuban artist questioned and sang live the notes of the song in the Yoruba language.
"Aguanilé," a song to Oggún
The famous song "Aguanilé", included in the album El Juicio (1972), was immortalized by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe. This musical piece has its roots in Yoruba culture but is considered a creole Caribbean song. According to Arocena, it is not a melody known in the Yoruba communities of Africa today.
"Aguanilé", written and composed by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, was produced by Jerry Masucci for its debut. The authors always acknowledged the African origin of the song, which is understood as a tribute to Oggún, a deity in the Yoruba pantheon, Orisha of blacksmiths, war, and technology.
Who is the orisha Oggún?
In Cuban santería, Oggún is often syncretized with San Pedro. His main symbol is the machete, a tool he uses to secure the paths opened by Elegguá.
It represents strength, war, justice, and righteousness, and is a defender of the most vulnerable. It has a strong character and is feared by its enemies.
Daymé Arocena and Cuban music
In 2024, Daymé Arocena celebrated a significant achievement in her career when she received her first nomination for the Latin Grammy in the Song of the Year category, thanks to the song "A fuego lento," featuring the Dominican Vicente García.
This recognition came after being nominated in 2018 for the American Grammys for her contribution to the album Oddara by saxophonist Jane Bunnett. The 32-year-old singer has carved out a place for herself as one of the most important voices in contemporary Cuban music.
Frequently Asked Questions about Daymé Arocena and Yoruba Culture in Music
What is the origin of the song "Aguanilé," popularized by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe?
"Aguanilé" is a song dedicated to Oggún, a deity of the Yoruba pantheon. Although it was immortalized in the album "El Juicio" by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, its roots lie within Yoruba culture. The song is understood as a tribute to Oggún, the Orisha of blacksmiths, war, and technology.
Who is Daymé Arocena and what is her significance in contemporary Cuban music?
Daymé Arocena is a Cuban singer recognized as one of the most important voices in contemporary Cuban music. She was nominated for the 2024 Latin Grammy in the Song of the Year category for her collaboration with Vicente García on the track "A fuego lento." Her career includes a nomination for the American Grammy in 2018 for her participation in the album "Oddara."
Why does Daymé Arocena consider the connection of "Aguanilé" to Yoruba culture important?
Daymé Arocena considers the connection of "Aguanilé" to Yoruba culture to be important because it emphasizes the value of recognizing and respecting the African cultural roots present in Caribbean music. The singer expressed her surprise at discovering that many people in Puerto Rico were unaware of this connection, highlighting the need for greater cultural education.
What challenges did Daymé Arocena face in Cuba before gaining international recognition?
Daymé Arocena never received official recognition in Cuba, nor support from the authorities, which limited her opportunities for artistic development. Despite her talent, she did not have access to national awards like the Lucas or Cubadisco. Her nomination for the Latin Grammy represents a gateway to the visibility and international recognition that she did not find in her homeland.
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