OKAN: Tiny Desk Concert

This Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 NPR Music celebrates artists from all corners of Latinidad with an 'El Tiny' takeover.
Felix Contreras | September 24, 2024
Spending time with the Afro-Cuban sounds of OKAN is to be immersed in the sounds of tradition mixed with the present.
Co-leaders Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne lead their five-piece band through the melodic and rhythmic celebration of their heritage with a sense of fun that can mask the intensity of the musicianship.
From the opening chant of the group’s first number “Eshu Nigüe (Elegua),” all the way through “La Reina del Norte,” OKAN is another example of musicians who honor the role of tradition while stretching the boundaries of how that tradition is expressed. And I’m not mad at the fact that every song is another reason to dance.
SET LIST
“Eshu Nigüe (Elegua)”
“Okantomi”
“Oriki Oshun”
“La Reina del Norte”
MUSICIANS
Elizabeth Herrera Rodriguez: lead vocals, violin
Magdelys Savigne: lead vocals, percussion
Camila Cortina: piano, vocals
Yissy García: drums
Gerson Lazo-Quiroga: bass, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Felix Contreras
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Tiffany Vera Castro
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Copy Editor: Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #okan

[@uscitizen3252]

Oh my goodness! Honestly, I wouldn't have clicked on this video if I didn't see the violin in the thumbnail but I'm SO glad I did. I'm a Black female violinist, who's grandfather escaped Cuba many years ago. I loved this entire performance! This is a masterclass in our to give a short performance. Every space was filled with a purpose. Loved the shout out of their name as they were wrapping their final song. Thank you for featuring them.

[@OKANMusica]

Thanks so much for such a lovely message.

[@estrella-tita35]

OKAN base in Toronto Canada are 100% Cubans.They are amazing musicians. 2 time Juno Awards winners I'm so proud of them..way to go!

[@andreasabbah7963]

Love the Canada shout out❤

[@OKANMusica]

Gracias mami!!!! ❤

[@rhortac]

Canada will melt with so much Afro-Cuban heat!

[@OKANMusica]

Love this comment. Hahahaha 😅

[@ubongudomah]

No matter where you are and are black, You're African. Africans have got the rhythm. I heard so much Yoruba words. Yoruba language is widely spoken in Nigeria. Your ancestors are proud of you. Please visit Western Nigeria. There's a state named Osun state in Nigeria

[@Below-Average_Joe]

This music has an incredible groove! The drums and percussion are tight and the bassist is incredible all by himself.

[@sumluvv]

Such a mood BOOSTER! THANK YOU LADIES 💕

[@stephaniemuhammad5312]

Absolutely mesmerizing. As a huge afro Cuban jazz fan. They definitely didn't disappoint

[@OKANMusica]

Hahaha love it!! 😅

[@DavidAlejandroPerez]

The pianist is top shelf! Great show

[@saint_vaughn]

Heyy, it's Camila on keys! She's a lovely woman and musician, Glad to witness such an awesome and soulful performance

[@OKANMusica]

She’s amazing!!!

[@Jvhkf207]

Lyfe Jennings

[@rodneyvandenoever]

Am floored by the drumming here, amazing!

[@jossysama5095]

My Afro Latinas powerful women yazzzzzzzz wooow❤❤

[@1notoriousnomad]

❤❤❤ Magical performance

[@michaelpheysey]

Saw them last night opening for Rodrigo Y Gabriella in Salt Lake City. Listened to the Tiny Desk on the way up but it did not prepare us for the energy and musicianship that we saw on stage. Totally blown away, and they just lit up my kids who were reluctant attendees. We had the great fortune of meeting them in the merch tent and getting a few pictures and some signed merch. I hope this exposure blows them up like some other TD artists, they deserve it.

[@LulaMusicArts]

love this!!! On behalf of the band, thank you for the support!

[@victorjuliotorrientelopez6596]

Buenísimo me encantó viva la buena música

[@Patreaseful]

I’m a NEW fan of OKAN. THANK YOU TINY DESK Exposing all these talented folks!

[@vemoore8700]

word up

[@xoPPoxl]

Best positivity music vibes❤🎉

[@kathialara1617]

WOW WOW WOWW!!!! muchas gracias por compartir este video, y priorizar y dar luz a artistas afro latines es súper súper importante!! que bonito video y que talentosos todos!!!!!!!!

[@sergiocolas4421]

Sí es muy importante dar visibilidad a artistas afrolatinos, principalmente a mujeres afrolatinas.

[@OKANMusica]

Ashe. 🎉

[@nomihamm5690]

I saw OKAN live at sf jazz a few weeks ago without knowing anything about them and I was completely blown away. they bring such an incredible amount of energy to the stage (i knew someone who overheard the concert and thought they were a big band lol). Every individual musician is incredible, together they are unstoppable. Absolutely see them live if you get the chance, it will change your life.

[@Kyishawn]

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve played this. It’s so positive with a groove that calms you & hypes you at the same time! 😩 I just have to see them live. 💫

[@LightWarriors4Life]

Beautiful voice and rhythm 🎼 Loved the violin 🎻 parts. 🙏🏼❤️

[@lisamalone5219]

Yeah Exactly 🎻👀🎼💙🩷💚💜💛 🌍✌️ LoveWins. 😁🙏⭐

[@LightWarriors4Life]

@@lisamalone5219 music is love, as love is Light 😊💫☀️

[@rbtraveler255]

Wow ❤❤❤ Cuban musicians never disappoint…just to give you a hint of the importance of Cubans in music in general that many of music genres were invented in Cuba, e.g. mambo, son, cha cha cha, and many others ❤

[@ShawnBoyetteAlso]

I love OKAN and am so happy that they're here on Tiny Desk! I've seen them live twice, and cannot recommend the experience highly enough. If they're in your area, go see them; it's a party you won't forget.

[@OKANMusica]

Hahaha great!!!! ❤

[@weareskyandsea]

These girls live are AMAZING. One of my favorite intimate concerts this year. Incredibly talented.

[@ArmiriamDaniel]

Wow!! I didn't know I loved Afro-Cuban so much. I don't know Spanish and this still felt so good to my ears and my heart!

[@omniphoriusvcf907]

Incredible heart and talent. What a gift for all of us.

[@susanbelyea6735]

Fantastic show! Amazing talent and heart❤❤❤❤❤

[@yeliz__]

I'm blown away! They're absolutely amazing!

[@marianafsilveira4083]

So much love that I dont have words... Viva os Orixás

[@rosechisholm58]

OKAN is incredible. Saw them on Hornby Island last summer and they are SO POWERFUL.

[@leilaikusura4904]

Their sound reminds me of the duo Les Nubians as well as Putumayo sound. It's so beautiful! My heart is full. Once again Tiny Desk, you aced this🎉🎉🎉

[@TrystanRose-b9w]

Just saw them last night in Portland without knowing who they were. They were amazing! Totally phenomenal, we'd just seen Green Day the day before and they run a live show with even more magnetic energy. Hope to see them come back soon as a main act!

[@OKANMusica]

That’s what we hope.

[@GeminiSun888]

Luv their sound!👏🏾🙌🏾🫶🏽

[@frncsca2804]

Es maravilloso que hayan seguido su cultura incluso si vivían lejos de su país. Yo también soy una latina en el extranjero y me emocionó mucho este concierto :')

[@mkfscorpio]

Beautiful music! So glad to see women in the band! And as percussionists!! 💫💫🤩❤❤

[@sonofgrace_215]

Great performance guys..... Shout Out to the bassguy 🥰🔥🔥🔥

[@OKANMusica]

His name is Gerson Lazo

[@marcosmello9310]

Got the chills from the drum solo!! It's been a while... Beautiful music

[@elliotselmon7581]

LOVE IT!!!

[@kimruffin8039]

New OKAN fan as of this concert!!! Play it y'all!!! So many incredible layers. The percussion was among many favorites. Thank you!

[@paulwhetstone0473]

These fine ladies have great flow and have been my El Tiny favorite so far. They don’t sound at all schmaltzy like almost all of the male based Latin groups I’ve heard recently on this series.

[@joaquinalvarado8548]

Ah thats a cool observation

[@jacobkom5249]

All round beautiful music, all the right vibes for life, thank you

[@blackmambaqueen238]

Wow mucha inspiración! Que hermosa música! ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉 gracias por este tiny!

[@hollivybez]

Straight up vibes

[@keithbarney1086]

They just made me FAN🔥🔥🔥💯

[@OKANMusica]

Great!!!!!

[@zoraidahernandez2670]

Saludos desde Miami

[@dreamteamleader9098]

Okay now I see why people mistake me for LATINO, or PUERTO RICAN or ITALIAN ( a couple times) love the sounds and the resemblance is striking from time to time. People of color are often mistaken for many different cultures now that the world is seeing more of us around diverse places. ❤❤❤❤

[@n.g.3741]

I’m definitely here for this! 💜💜

[@StJohnLara]

So much energy, rhythm and joy! And of course, multi-talents. Bravo!!

[@MJ-kt2pm]

Excellent work by OKAN

[@pamelarw58]

Fantastic Vocals & Music so much love & JOY!!!❤

[@amyvanilli]

SI!!!! Me encantan!!! Bravo 👏👏👏

[@MGAMMUSIC]

wow! Just WOW soo good.

[@marilynhaverly570]

I've listened twice already and plan to watch/listen some more! Love this!

[@andreasabbah7963]

Saw them pre covid at a jazz church concert in Toronto. Loved them then. Love them now. So happy to see them on TD!!❤❤❤❤

[@MundiaKamau]

Great performance. Viva OKAN, Viva Cuba, Viva Canada. There appears to be a sizable Cuban community in Canada. After Alex Cuba, this is the second Tiny Desk Concert I've watched, of Cuban music artistes with links to Canada. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 25th September 2024.

[@mistahisaac7545]

Just dreaming of my turn! Thank you for this fam! What an outstanding performance! ❤❤❤

[@KomaWhite-t9u]

I saw them live in Halidax, Nova Scotia best concert ive ever seen, the energy they can create is magnetic and surging and crazy.

[@linocubides6862]

ufff que Genial, que grupo tan Sabroso, que gozadera en todo momento👏👏👏👏👏

[@tiuznaesheyoiztisachi]

I didnt know that i can dance like i do 😂 thanx, my favourite now

[@sergiolondono6841]

❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥 Qué grandeees!! Muy orgulloso de ustedes!!

[@dianiscataclarinete2923]

❤❤❤❤OMG even is one of MY dreams come true!!! Beautiful girls I studied with 🥹 !so proud of you guys!. Amazing concert, now I have to watch OKAN live!!!!

[@Laura-zd8wu]

Just wonderful girls!!!!! You are amazing 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@ebsellers5636]

INCREDIBLE!!!!

[@reginiahorton6621]

Great job !!! Love the smoothness of it! Beautiful voices

[@AngryManSki]

Outstanding Performance 🎭. Bravo ✊🏾

[@ayozola]

What a blessing to stumble upon this video/concert! Thank you Sisters for this marvelous music! Will be finding and listening to more!❤🎉

[@mbdagreat]

Phenomenal!!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@KAY18999]

Que graaaaaannnn Tiny!!! De mis favoritos de este año!

[@lilimacmc6886]

These women are equally BEAUTIFUL & TALENTED!! 🥰 Hope hear more from them for many years to come!!

[@nataliea.s.4595]

Divinas! So glad I clicked! A new fan! ¡Wepa!❤

[@leokohimbra]

Que sabrosura.....🎉💯🔥🔥🔥

[@vavavane999a]

Wowowowowowoow primeramente, gracias por su música y su energía tan hermosa y vibrante. This performance made me want to cry with all the emotion

[@christopherrodriguez2424]

Agua, agua! Que hermoso!

[@deborahross-carter5590]

I love this, they are wonderful!!!

[@chisomomwale]

I saw them this summer at Atlanta’s jazz fest! I went just for them and they did not disappoint. They were the BEST! So happy to see that they made it to Tiny Desk! ❤

[@FossNati]

Oohh yeeaah beautiful ❤❤❤ Àṣẹ Ashe Ashe oooo✨️✨️

[@richardross98]

Tremendous! Absolutely tremendous! Thank you!

[@ashleecarrero1466]

Thanks for sharing como el coqui love it!

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Joy, Joy, Joy 🌞🤸🏾‍♂️♥️

[@angelocast]

Una belleza :)

[@elrafa782]

Good vibes for sure 🙏

[@bnieves24]

Eh eh eh ✨✨🌺 🇵🇷 Wow wow 🥹🥹 Me encantó todoo 🌻✨✨

[@mobilemworks]

Afro-Cuban!! OH the blend is so topical. All senses!

[@steveymcneckbeard]

What a beautiful woman.

[@MJ-kt2pm]

Yes indeed

[@marcofilippini5429]

A music is beautiful Think !!!Thank you OKAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bouroudji]

So cool, so dope! Love the vibe

[@dcloud3791]

Yessss thank you!

[@richboovertime]

this was beautiful 😢 of joy viewing this

[@StephenLee529]

YESSS…! 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 thank you for sharing this wonderful group…! Yes…now I have to see them live..?

[@shylacooper6891]

Absolutely love 💕

[@grzegorzbrzeczyszczykiewic9759]

Ken Smith groove ! bass atack ! love it

[@migdaliarosado4137]

👏🌻👑🌻👑🌻👑🌻👑👏 Me encanta Bendiciones a Mi Oshun Yalorde💛💛💛💛💛 Ustedes me alegraron mi corazón

[@Time.Space.Heal.]

Mucho Bravo!

[@deede79]

Mind blown🤯! I loved EVERYTHING about this performance. New fan here!!

[@Raffpio]

Che meraviglia

[@HerandHerGF]

Beautiful!! ❤

[@st.keise_official]

Shine your light fam ✨ beautiful 🥰

[@jossysama5095]

Beautifullll ❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@PhoenixCharredEagle]

Great performance!

[@unhombreunhombre2363]

Que bueno🎉

[@luisamariagonzalezramirez353]

Omg!!!! So proud what an amazing band

[@OKANMusica]

Hahahaha. 😅you should Be proud. This is part of your work too.