Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
1 time in the Global Top 40
About "Ochun A Mamayog"
Ochun a Mamayog is an original arrangement and adaptation by Bo Razon of two deeply-rooted traditions in the cultural music of the world, Afro-Cuban music and southern Philippine indigenous music. The Cuban component consists of verses from the Idewerewere chant, a Yoruba/Lucumi ode to Ochún-orisha goddess of love & beauty and the syncretized patron saint of Cuba. On the Filipino side, Mamayog is a courtship song of the Maranaw people of Mindanao. Bo, a multi-instrumentalist from Manila, is recognized for his ability to fuse indigenous Filipino music with modern genres, contributing to the global ethnofusion movement. In the song, he manages to blend the different cultural elements into a fresh exotic hybrid sound, spiced up with second line beats, funk, Cuban percussion, the sounds of the Kutyapi-the two-stringed boat lute from Mindanao, and rock guitar. Bringing the song to life is Zule Guerra, a Cuban singer from Havana known for her contributions to the Afro-Cuban jazz scene. She blends traditional Cuban rhythms with contemporary jazz elements, creating a unique and soulful sound. The project is produced by studio wizard/musician Greg Landau. Joining Bo & Zule on the tune are Michael Spiro on percussion, Chris Trinidad on bass, and Darian Gray on drums. The collaboration and experiment results in innovative and exciting new music, a blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms & verses with Filipino indigenous sounds, showcasing the beauty and diversity of both musical traditions.