Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In February 2026, I travelled to Cuba at a moment of deep political tension and economic hardship to explore a question that has fascinated me for years: how does music survive — and even thrive — in times of crisis?
In this third episode of the series, I remain in Matanzas to explore one of Cuba's most influential and misunderstood cultural traditions: Abakuá.
Often described as a secret society, Abakuá traces its roots to the Cross River region of present-day southeastern Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon. Carried across the Atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade, it has survived in Cuba for generations, preserving its own rituals, music, language, and traditions.
Special thanks to Luis Bran for facilitating my visit to Eficondo Iremo in Matanzas.
Featuring the members of Eficondo Iremo:
Lázaro Jacinto Dreke Reyes ( Iyamba) leader of Efí Condó Iremo
Fidel Goves Pelladito ( obonecue )
Miguel Angel Dreke Reyes (Mosongo)
Pablo Fernández ( Morua Iyuansa)
Luis Bran Acevedo
Directed & Produced by Ruairí Glasheen
Translations:
Ali Sargent
In February 2026, I travelled to Cuba at a moment of deep political tension and economic hardship to explore a question that has fascinated me for years: how does music survive — and even thrive — in times of crisis?
In this third episode of the series, I remain in Matanzas to explore one of Cuba's most influential and misunderstood cultural traditions: Abakuá.
Often described as a secret society, Abakuá traces its roots to the Cross River region of present-day southeastern Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon. Carried across the Atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade, it has survived in Cuba for generations, preserving its own rituals, music, language, and traditions.
Special thanks to Luis Bran for facilitating my visit to Eficondo Iremo in Matanzas.
Featuring the members of Eficondo Iremo:
Lázaro Jacinto Dreke Reyes ( Iyamba) leader of Efí Condó Iremo
Fidel Goves Pelladito ( obonecue )
Miguel Angel Dreke Reyes (Mosongo)
Pablo Fernández ( Morua Iyuansa)
Luis Bran Acevedo
Directed & Produced by Ruairí Glasheen
Translations:
Ali Sargent
