The programme

2 PM; African playtime for children

5 PM; Workshop dance and drums

6:30 PM; Lecture: Santeria, a happy religion (in Norwegian)

7:30 PM: Afro-Cuban food

8 PM; Dance performances

- Santeria dance and bata drums

- Rumba dance and rhythms

9:30; PM Concerts

- Yeisy Rojas band

. Comgoyá

5 PM / 6:30 PM: Workshop and Lecture

5 PM: Do you want to learn to dance rumba/salsa? We offer a short class to learn the basics so you can participate in the concerts. 

At 6:30 PM: La Santeria es una religion alegre (Santeria is a happy religion) Anne Engh in Norwegian

Social anthropologist Anne Engh wrote about the Santeria religion in her master's. Santeria is a Cuban religion with roots in West Africa due to the slaves from that region. The religion was changed and adapted to the new situation in Cuba, and it is very much alive today. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about this intriguing religion.

Anne Engh is a Social Anthropologist and is a specialist on the Santeria Religion in Cuba.  

at 8 PM: Dance performances

Santeria dans og batatrommer

Santería is a living tradition in Cuba with roots in West African religions Santería is today visible in the streets.  It is in popular music, and the tourist industry uses Santería in cabaret shows and products. According to people in Cuba, all music groups with any self-respect will have at least one song in their repertory about Santería or the Santos (Orichas).

Each Santo controls different parts of nature, such as thunder, storms, the sea, the woods, and the rivers. At the same time, they also control human qualities, such as love, intelligence, and drunkenness. All people have two santos as their protectors, whether you are a devotee or not, regardless of where you live. 

Every Oricha has its dance and rhythm and symbolizes the connection between man and the Santos, The religious bata drums accompany the dance.

• Musicians:

  • Felix Navarro Navarro

  • Arturo Martinez

  • Marcos Antonio Betancourt

  • Yansser Cardoso

  • Oscar Regeiferos

  • Ernesto Betancourt

  Dancers:

  • Imelxis Caridad Landa Balbuena
  • Ernesto Betancourt
  • Barbaro Maikel Mendoza Munoz
  • Pedro J. Lugones
  • Lazaro Betancourt
  • Yusmila Milanes

Rumba dance and rhythms

Rumba is a dance that originates from Cuba. It has roots in Afro-American folk dances. Rumba is a partner dance with characteristic, rhythmic hip movements combined with small foot movements. The music that accompanies the rumba is characterized by simple melodies and complex, polyrhythmic use of percussion instruments. The dance is filled with deep emotion and is even called "the dance of love."

Musicians:

• Felix Navarro Navarro
• Arturo Martinez
• Marcos Antonio Betancourt
• Yansser Cardoso
• Oscar Regeiferos
• Ernesto Betancourt

Dancers:

• Imelxis Caridad Landa Balbuena
• Ernesto Betancourt
• Barbaro Maikel Mendoza Munoz
• Pedro J. Lugones
• Lazaro Betancourt
• Yusmila Milanes

9:30 PM: Yeisy Rojas Band

Yeisy draws inspiration from the intertwined musical heritage of her homeland Cuba, combining jazz, traditional music, and classical influences with an innate sense of rhythm. And for those who haven't seen her live; she is a firework on stage.

• Yeisy Rojas: Cubans vocalist/violinist - InterContinental Music Awards Winner, 2023 – Best of America | Latin Folk
• Torbjørn Kvamme: Norwegian pianist, composer, and producer. 
• Yansser Cardoso: Cuban drummer
• Marcos Betancourt: Cuban Percussionist
• Felix Navarro: Cuban Percussionist
• Valerio Bottari: Bass

10:30 PM: Comgoyá

Experience the magic of Comgoyá, an orchestra with 10 professional musicians who bring Cuba's rich musical heritage to life! The band comprises several talented musicians who contribute to their unique sound. Felix has a special ear for blending modern music with traditional rhythms like son, bolero, cha-cha-cha, and salsa, creating something new and exciting.

Click here and start typing. Magnam aliquam 

• Felix Navarro Navarro: Cuban percussion player and composer with long experience in Cuba and Norway
• Antonio Torner: Drummer from Mexico City with a long experience in Mexico and Norway
• Gerardo Orrego: Gerardo Orrego, Chile, is a well-known bass player in Norway
• Valerio Bottari: Valerio Bottari, Italy, is a talented guitar player and vocalist 
• Brage Rognlien: Brage Rognlien is an experienced and well-known trombone player from Norway. 
• Kim L. Koffeld: Kim Koffeld is a Norwegian trumpet player with more than 30 years of experience. 
• Katerine Espinal, Katerine Espinal from Nicaragua is an excellent piano player 

• Rayner Tarin Camps. Rayner is a Cuban vocalist and composer. 
• Norge Flores Falcon: Norge is a talented vocalist and composer from Cuba.  
• Jomar Cabrera Reyes: is a young Cuban vocalist