Save the Osun River.

by oshunschild Categories: ConnectionsTags: · · Leave a comment

Three months ago, I was alarmed as I came across this video on YouTube, which explained about illegal mining and the rising levels of toxicity in the Osun River. I shared and posted and it’s probably my ineptitude regarding negotiating social media and my low profile, and inability to understand those damn algorithms, but I was surprised that nobody shared or responded. Since then, a media campaign and petition has been set up by https://www.instagram.com/aura_of_gold/ and https://www.instagram.com/obatala_efunwale/ and thankfully has raised consciousness and concern relating to the mining and effect on the health of the Osun River. For Oshun devotees…

Why my previously public ceremonies are no longer public.

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · My ten pence worth! · Protocol and CeremonyTags: · · 2 Comments

    This is just a little note to let anyone know that I am not here to provide material for your PhD or your book chapter, If by chance you are intending on using any information gathered whilst attending something in the Ile Oshun Kayode. Have the courtesy and respect to ask me if it is OK first. Put it by me. Mention who I am and my Ocha name. I am representing Oshun. Have some damn respect. Do not write me out of the story, because you will be disrespecting Oshun and her Ashe. And so be it….

“Oshun, how can I be of service?”

by oshunschild Categories: My ten pence worth!Tags: · 4 Comments

Featured photo by Rebecca Radmore ( Fire Soul Media ) This episode of my Blog is inspired by the question posed by someone who had come to me recently for more information regarding the Lucumi Path and Oshun in particular. His question was ” how can I serve Oshun?” I answered the  question as best as I could when put on the spot, but it did make me think quite deeply about the spiritual path that we walk and La Regla de Ocha and what following this path actually means. There are so many different layers to this question. So…

London’s Lost Rivers

by oshunschild Categories: ConnectionsTags: · · · · · · · · · · 2 Comments

New Video Clip! London is a City that is never far from a river. There is a lot to explore. Thanks to Elio Peña and Rebecca Radmore, husband and wife film and photography team, I learned about the River Wandle as I made some research for the London Lucumi Choir’s debut Video clip. The track we made the Video for is a cover version of the Ibeyi’s amazing Song “River”.  Whilst I wanted to make an arrangement suitable for the Choir also exploring toques dedicated to Oshun, I wanted a backdrop of a beautiful London based river and I found…

Celebrity and Orisha

by oshunschild Categories: My ten pence worth!Tags: · · · · · 2 Comments

This last week or two, my facebook feed  went insane post Beyonce’s performance at the grammy awards. The last time it happened was around the time of “Lemonade”. I don’t really make much noise since in reality, for me the questions brought up had no baring on my everyday life or my walking the path of Orisha.  There were many statements, questions and even indignant opinions. These are my thoughts in relation to what I have seen and heard. They are my own personal thoughts and there are many who would choose either to agree or disagree. Firstly regarding whether…

Lucumi, A community Based Faith System

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · My ten pence worth!Tags: · · · · · · · · · · · Leave a comment

Last Year an initiative started in the United States called Oloshas United for Peace and Healing. The initiative involved wearing white for a certain number of days and organising and attending various ceremonies and other events for all of us, including the wider community. Last year I organised an open rehearsal with the London Lucumi Choir. We concentrated on singing songs to Obatala and Babalu Aye. I also organised for my Ile, a prayer meeting for healing and a Agbwan in front of Babalu Aye. This year as the 16 days drew to a close, esteemed Oba Willie Ramos asked us…

REVIEW: On the Orishas’ Roads and Pathways: Oshún Deity of Femininity By Obá Miguel W. Ramos, Ilarí Obá

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · ReviewsTags: · · · · · 4 Comments

I was so excited when I heard about this book. Any information and insight into the Orisha that I am crowned with is most welcome. What was also exciting is that Miguel W.Ramos is not only a Scholar and a Writer but also an experienced and respected Obá in our religion. This is one occasion where the ability to write combines with the experience of an initiate and that is a rare and wonderful thing. The book did not disappoint. From the introduction documenting his own personal experience, to the historical background, to understanding more about the paths of Oshun,…

London Lucumi Choir

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I have been a bit quiet of late since I have been updating a new blog/ website for the Choir that I run and direct. The London Lucumi Choir’s new website/blog has up to date information about our history, performances, membership and also a blog looking at the challenges of running such an unusual choir. Follow us:   http://londonlucumichoir.wordpress.com/   Photo Credit: Angela Dennis

Orisha comes to London. A review of the projects that came to London last year.

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Feature photo: Creative Direction Janine Francois. Choreography: Stella Odunlami. Dancer: Zinzi Minott: Photography Zainab Adamu. BOdy Art: Estar Melbourne. I consider myself an artist. I am first and foremost a musician, however I have used other idioms to express my creativity, I have been also in my lifetime a professional dancer and I enjoy textiles and embroidery.  I am also passionate about the arts and how it can reach the individual, make a statement and create a powerful message.  Over the last couple of years there seems to be a resurgence of interest in all things Orisha. My natural instinct…

Orisha Art and symbol. Thrones.

by oshunschild Categories: UncategorizedTags: · · · 3 Comments

  There are so many ways that an Artist walking this path can use their skills. The building of thrones for the Orisha, and making of ceremonial dress  is so much part of our culture. In addition there are Pañuelos to dress our Orisha on special occasions and Banderas to hang in our houses amongst other things.My second Ocha birthday was the first time I was challenged to build a throne for my Orisha. There are rules on how to build a throne correctly, and with those in mind, it was an exciting challenge to buy fabrics and learn how…