PODCAST · arts
Essence of Afrocuban
by Alfredo Garcia Gonzalez
This is a journey into the heart of Afrocuban dance, culture, and spirituality. Each episode explores the rich traditions, powerful rhythms, and deep connections that shape the Afrocuban experience. From uncovering the history of Afrocuban movement to insightful interviews with dancers, musicians, and spiritual practitioners, this podcast celebrates the art form as a living expression of identity, community, and spirit. Whether you're a dancer, practitioner, or just curious about the Afro-diasporic roots of Cuban culture, I invite you to deepen your connection to this vibrant tradition.
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# 21 Billy Chorron From Benin to Cuba: The Essential Connection That Surprises Everyone.
Dive deep into the spiritual roots of Benin and their impact on Afro-Caribbean traditions. In this revealing conversation, Alfredo García and Billy Chorron demystify the complexities of the Vodun system, offering a clear view of its principles, hierarchies, and connections with Yoruba and Cuban culture. Did you know that Benin organizes 10 fundamental voices representing attributes of the supreme God Mahou? Or that each person's spiritual energy can balance and activate these internal voduns without material elements in daily rituals?Perfect for practitioners, curious minds, and scholars of African religions who want to understand how these traditions maintain their power and wisdom in different contexts. If you want to connect with authentic roots and understand the energy that moves practitioners from Benin to Cuba, this episode is your gateway. Don't miss it and prepare to expand your spiritual vision!This episode will open your eyes to the depth of African spirituality and its influence on our lives. Ideal for those seeking to understand the truth behind rituals, hierarchies, and how these ancient practices can elevate your inner awakening.CONNECT WITH ME🌍 My website - https://www.afrocubanonline.com📸 Instagram /alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline
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#20 Yoel Herrera: Bailar desde la raíz.
En este episodio, Alfredo García conversa con Joel Herrera, bailarín y músico profundamente conectado con la tradición afro-cubana.Desde su infancia en Matanzas, rodeado de rumba, familia y celebración, hasta su camino por escenarios internacionales, Joel comparte una historia marcada por la cultura, la disciplina y el fuego ancestral.Hablamos de sus raíces, de cómo la música formó su identidad desde niño, de su paso por el ejército, su llegada a Italia y su formación con grandes maestros del folklore cubano.También exploramos su conexión espiritual con la danza Abakuá, una expresión poderosa de la herencia afro-cubana.Más que una entrevista, este episodio es un viaje por la memoria, el ritmo y la esencia de una cultura que se vive con el cuerpo y el corazón.Si amas la danza, la música y las historias reales que nacen de la tradición, este episodio es para ti.
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#19 What Afro-Cuban Really Means
What people often call “afro” in salsa classes actually has a name: Afro-Cuban.Afro-Cuban culture is not Africa copied.It is Africa transformed.It was shaped through transculturation, resistance, and creativitywithin the context of European colonization.Its roots come mainly from African regions that are todayNigeria, Benin, and Congo.Orisha, Arará, Palo, Abakuá, Rumba, Salsa —all of this together forms Afro-Cuban culture.And the body carries this history.Ashe & bendiciones.
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#18 What AFRO really means in the salsa world.
The word “afro” is used everywhere in the salsa community.But very few people actually know what it means.In this video, I want to bring clarity and awareness , not correction.Because Afro is not a style.Afro means Africa.Africa is a continent with thousands of cultures, rhythms, and ways the body moves.Understanding the roots of what we dance changes the way we move,the way we listen, and the way we connect.This video is about less confusion and more education.Ashe & bendiciones.
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#17 Chantal Steiner: From Dance to Destiny
She shares the path that led her to discover her Odu, the importance of knowing the divine blueprint that guides your life, and how connecting with your Orisha can shift your destiny in powerful ways.Chantal also opens up about her story —where she comes from, how she began dancing, and the experiences that shaped her spiritual calling. From her first steps in the dance world to receiving la Mano de Orula (the Hand of Ifá), she walks us through the rituals, the emotions, and the transformation that this sacred process brought into her life.A raw, inspiring, and deeply spiritual conversation for anyone curious about Ifá, destiny, and the dance between energy and purpose.
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#16 Question of the week: How can I find a connection with the Orisha
Join me as I dive in the world of the orisha and I get to answer this question from my own point of view.If you have any question you can always email me to [email protected]. I will be more than happy to answer to your question.
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#15 Yuniel Gual: Técnica y Emoción como base del movimiento.
Yuniel Gual, bailarín y profesor reconocido a nivel mundial y muy adorado por su elegancia al bailar el Son. En este episodio nos adentramos en su mundo, sus vivencia, la importancia de tener una buena base en como bailarín y nos habla sobre su valiosa experiencia y carrera como bailarín y maestro de bailes cubanos.
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#14 Osain’s Rhythms Explained – from the Percussion Tutor App
🎧 This video comes from the Percussion Tutor app.Here we explore the toques of Osain, the Orisha of the forest, herbs, and healing energy.Each rhythm you’ll hear in this video is named and divided exactly as shown inside the app — so you can start recognizing which toque belongs to which Orisha.00:31 Intro00:32 Talk about Osain & Rhythms03:45 First call- Kuru Kurubete04:20 Second Call- Tiwi Tiwi04:34 Ewe Masiboronu05:05 Borotitilawa05:25 Understanding connection09:16 Hear the Apwon13:09 ClosingAlbum Antologia Yoruba, Julio Davalos & Adrian Coburg🌿 Ashe to those who learn to listen before they move.For more visit : Afrocubanonline.com
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#13 Fundamentals of Yoruba dances.
Discover the fundamentals of Yoruba dance through my book "Essence of Yoruba Dances in Cuba". In this episode, I share the framework that has helped me and my students find cadence, connection, and rhythm — a living dialogue between body, drum, and ancestry.Do you want to learn from me? go to my platform https://www.afrocubanonline.com.Ashe y Bendiciones
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#12"Back to the Stage, Back to Myself"
In this heartfelt solo episode, I open up about why I’ve been away from the mic — I was called back to the theater to dance. I share my journey of returning to the studio after years away, facing mental and physical blocks, and confronting the voices of doubt in my head.I speak about the deep inner work that helped me reconnect with my craft and how, unexpectedly, my presence has inspired the younger dancers I now share the stage with.This isn’t just about dance — it’s about resilience, faith, and what it means to return to yourself. Premiere 19th of SeptemberMore shows 20-21. Theater Dessau.
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#11 Pregunta de la Semana "¿Los Orishas Obatala y Oshosi bailan Shashalokafun?
Por supuesto, aquí tienes una versión mejorada y más envolvente: En un mundo donde todos somos maestros y cada quien sigue su propio camino de aprendizaje, surge una pregunta inevitable: ¿Lo que he aprendido es realmente la verdad? En este episodio, nos tomaremos un momento para profundizar en este cuestionamiento y explorar por qué ciertos Orishas no bailan este toque. Acompáñanos en esta reflexión donde tradición, conocimiento y experiencia se entrelazan para descubrir nuevas perspectivas.
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#10 " Damaris Hechevarria: El Camino de un Artista
Hoy, Alfredo le da la bienvenida a Damaris Hechevarria, graduada del Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), bailarina de la compañía folclórica Ban Rara y el cabaret Parisién. Damaris es una bailarina de gran experiencia, profesora de danzas folclóricas y de cabaret. Es reconocida a nivel internacional y se le puede ver en distintos festivales a nivel mundial. Fundadora del Proyecto Alafia Dancers con el propósito de educar y guiar a aquellas personas que quieran desarrollar una carrera danzaria profesional.Conecta con Alfredo en su pagina https://www.afrocubanonline.com y descubre toda una biblioteca visual sobre las danzas afrocubanas.Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline/
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#9" Question of the Week" Do the Orishas Obatala & Oshosi dance Shashalokafun?
Vey often I get this question from students as there is a big debate whether these to Orisha are dancing this particular step. Dive in with me were I get to answer this question according to my learnings at school and Conjunto Folklorico nacional de Cuba.Conecta con Alfredo en su pagina https://www.afrocubanonline.com y descubre toda una biblioteca visual sobre las danzas afrocubanas.Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline/
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#8 "Papito Chango: Omoluabi - Un ser completo y balanceado"
En este episodio nos adentramos en lo que la tradición Yoruba se llama Omoluabi. Un concepto que esta basado en los valores del ser humano, como Honestidad, Paciencia, Humildad, etc. De acuerdo a la cultura Yoruba si vives bajo esos preceptos serás un ser completo, balanceado y reconocido en la comunidad por tus principios y valores. Omoluabi es aquella persona que descubre su misión en la vida y ayuda a otros a hacer lo mismo, manteniendo y sosteniendo la soga de la vida y contribuir en el mejoramiento de nuestra tierra.PapitoChango-https://www.facebook.com/IfasegunAbisojeConecta con Alfredo en su pagina https://www.afrocubanonline.com y descubre toda una biblioteca visual sobre las danzas afrocubanas.Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline/
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#7 "Billy Homeky Part 2: From Dahomey to the Caribbean. The African essence of Arara". Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
In this episode of Essence of Afrocuban, we explore the profound journey of Arará culture from its roots in Dahomey (modern-day Benin) to its flourishing presence in the Caribbean. Join us as we uncover the African essence of Arará, delving into the history of its first inhabitants, the spiritual guidance of Ifá, and the rhythms that have transcended time. Whether you’re a dance practitioner or a lover of cultural heritage, this episode offers a vibrant celebration of ancestry, artistry, and the sacred connections that define Arará.Billy social media: https://www.facebook.com/billy.chorritoConnect with Alfredo at his website - https://www.afrocubanonline.com. Dive deep in the world of Afrocuban dance and cultureInstagram-https://www.instagram.com/alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline/ -
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#6 "Papito Angarica: El Legado de un Apwon" Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
En este episodio, tengo el honor de conversar con **Papito Angarica**, un artista cuya voz ha llevado la esencia de la música afrocubana a escenarios nacionales e internacionales. Nacido en una de las familias más influyentes dentro de la religión afrocubana en Cuba, Papito ha sido cantante del **Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba** y ha dejado su huella en la icónica serie discográfica yoruba** Abbilona**.Hablamos sobre su trayectoria, sus raíces espirituales, la importancia del canto en la tradición yoruba y su experiencia dentro de la música ritual. Un episodio imprescindible para quienes quieren conocer más sobre la conexión entre fe, cultura y arte en la diáspora afrocubana.Visita: https://www.afrocubanonline.comSiguenos en Instagram: alfredogarcia_afrocubanoline@juancarlosangarica
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#5 "Idalberto Alcala: La esencia de un rumbero" Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
"En este episodio de Esencia del Afrocubano, exploramos el vibrante mundo de la rumba y su profundo significado cultural. Nos enfocamos especialmente en el estilo Columbia, una expresión dinámica y de ritmo acelerado donde los bailarines demuestran su agilidad, creatividad y conexión con el tambor. Con su combinación de improvisación y tradición, el Columbia encarna el espíritu de la resiliencia y la libertad artística. Ya seas bailarín, músico o amante de la cultura afrocubana, este episodio celebra la esencia de la rumba y su poder para inspirar y unir a la humanidad. Follow us: Idalberto Alcala: https://www.facebook.com/idalberto.alcala.5 Para mas información sobre Alfredo García visita: https://www.afrocubanonline.com y síguenos en Instagram: afrocubanonline, alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline.
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#4"De Soñar con Bailar a Inspirar al Mundo: Mi Historia" Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
En esta entrevista íntima y llena de inspiración, comparto mi historia desde mis primeros pasos como bailarín hasta convertirme en maestro y autor. 🌟 Hablamos sobre los desafíos y aprendizajes de mi trayectoria, incluyendo las experiencias que marcaron mi vida al dar clases en ciudades como Seoul y Singapore. También revelo qué me motivó a escribir mi libro, un proyecto que nació de mi pasión por compartir conocimientos y ayudar a otros a descubrir la magia de la danza. 💃✨ Si amas la danza, buscas inspiración o simplemente quieres conocer más sobre el poder transformador del arte, este video es para ti. 💌 🔔 No olvides suscribirte al canal y dejar tus comentarios, me encantaría saber qué te inspira a ti!
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#3 "Billy Homeky: From Dahomey to the Caribbean. The African essence of Arara". Part 1 Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
Today Alfredo welcomes Billy Homeky, known in social media as Billy Chorrón . Engineer and Doctor in Chemical engineering and Biotechnology, Dance Teacher, Dj and Ifa practitioner. He was born and raised in Benin where he started his spiritual journey. In this episode of Essence of Afrocuban, we explore the profound journey of Arará culture from its roots in Dahomey (modern-day Benin) to its flourishing presence in the Caribbean. Join us as we uncover the African essence of Arará, delving into the history of its first inhabitants, the spiritual guidance of Ifá, and the rhythms that have transcended time. Whether you’re a dance practitioner or a lover of cultural heritage, this episode offers a vibrant celebration of ancestry, artistry, and the sacred connections that define Arará. Billy social media: https://www.facebook.com/billy.chorrito Connect with Alfredo at his website - https://www.afrocubanonline.com. Dive deep in the world of Afrocuban dance and culture Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline/ -
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#2 "Papito Chango: Buscando el entendimiento en la danza y en la tradición Yoruba" Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
Hoy, Alfredo le da la bienvenida a PapitoChango, graduado como bailarín y profesor de danzas folclóricas en la Escuela Nacional de Arte ENA. Dueño de Bailar Cubano en Hamburg. Babalawo practicante con mas de 20 años de experiencia. PapitoChango nos habla sobre la importancia de aprender los fundamentos tanto de la danza como de la religión, los cuales son primordiales para nuestro crecimiento. Su misión es inspirar a las personas a buscar el conocimiento, el entendimiento y la sabiduría mediante la filosofía de Ifa. Nos inspira a buscar la verdad que se esconde detrás de nuestros bailes para así encontrar la conexionarme con nuestra esencia. PapitoChango-https://www.facebook.com/IfasegunAbisoje Conecta con Alfredo en su pagina https://www.afrocubanonline.com y descubre toda una biblioteca visual sobre las danzas afrocubanas. Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/alfredogarcia_afrocubanonline/
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#1 "Unveiling the Essence: The Roots of Afrocuban Dance" Essence of Afrocuban Podcast
In the very first episode of Essence of Afrocuban, we dive into the vibrant history and cultural significance of Afrocuban dance. Discover how this art form embodies the soul of a people, connects us to ancestral traditions, and continues to inspire dancers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or simply curious about the rhythms of the diaspora, this episode sets the stage for an enriching journey into the heart of Afrocuban culture. Join me as we explore the essence of the movement, music, and stories that make it timeless.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is a journey into the heart of Afrocuban dance, culture, and spirituality. Each episode explores the rich traditions, powerful rhythms, and deep connections that shape the Afrocuban experience. From uncovering the history of Afrocuban movement to insightful interviews with dancers, musicians, and spiritual practitioners, this podcast celebrates the art form as a living expression of identity, community, and spirit. Whether you're a dancer, practitioner, or just curious about the Afro-diasporic roots of Cuban culture, I invite you to deepen your connection to this vibrant tradition.
HOSTED BY
Alfredo Garcia Gonzalez
CATEGORIES
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