Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
"You have to remember that our religion is our culture, and our culture is our religion."
During my time in Havana, I spent an afternoon with master percussionist Irian López Rodríguez, a member of the legendary Los Chinitos de la Corea family.
As Cuba continues to navigate profound economic challenges, I was struck by Irian's reflections on music, spirituality, and why he now chooses to play primarily in religious contexts.
For many people in Cuba, these traditions are far more than music. They are community, identity, history and a way of making sense of the world.
I found this conversation incredibly moving.
The full documentary, Can Cuba's Sacred Music Survive?, is now available on YouTube.
#Cuba #Havana #AfroCuban #Documentary #MusicDocumentary #Batá #Percussion #CubanMusic #Santeria #AfroCubanCulture #traveldocumentary
"You have to remember that our religion is our culture, and our culture is our religion."
During my time in Havana, I spent an afternoon with master percussionist Irian López Rodríguez, a member of the legendary Los Chinitos de la Corea family.
As Cuba continues to navigate profound economic challenges, I was struck by Irian's reflections on music, spirituality, and why he now chooses to play primarily in religious contexts.
For many people in Cuba, these traditions are far more than music. They are community, identity, history and a way of making sense of the world.
I found this conversation incredibly moving.
The full documentary, Can Cuba's Sacred Music Survive?, is now available on YouTube.
#Cuba #Havana #AfroCuban #Documentary #MusicDocumentary #Batá #Percussion #CubanMusic #Santeria #AfroCubanCulture #traveldocumentary
