OKAN: Tiny Desk Concert

This Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 NPR Music celebrates artists from all corners of Latinidad with an ’El Tiny’ takeover. Felix Contreras | September 24, 2024 Spending time with the Afro-Cuban sounds of OKAN is to be immersed in the sounds of tradition mixed with the present. Co-leaders Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne lead their five-piece band through the melodic and rhythmic celebration of their heritage with a sense of fun that can mask the intensity of the musicianship. From the opening chant of the group’s first number “Eshu Nigüe (Elegua),” all the way through “La Reina del Norte,” OKAN is another example of musicians who honor the role of tradition while stretching the boundaries of how that tradition is expressed. And I’m not mad at the fact that every song is another reason to dance. SET LIST “Eshu Nigüe (Elegua)” “Okantomi” “Oriki Oshun” “La Reina del Norte” MUSICIANS Elizabeth Herrera Rodriguez: lead vocals, violin Magdelys Sa