The Transcendence of Music: Cuba Diaries

Wanting to travel, explore and live new experiences, I landed in Cuba.  Matanzas, to be more precise. This town is the birthplace of rumba, part of the musical essence and uniqueness of this island.

It was there where I encountered the energy of Cuban folkloric music. I heard, felt and saw the power of the bata drums, the harmonious chants and the channeling dances. Its transcendental essence was mesmerizing and life changing.

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Batas are played by three drummers and they follow a specific chant for each Orisha. It is polyrhythmic and follows a script. But there are moments when divine inspiration can bring improvisation, and that is the epitome of bliss. One of the many things that makes this music special is that not only is it rhythmically and melodically complex, but the whole musical experience comes in unity.

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The music plays, and the people chant and dance together. Everyone faces those drums, since these are sacred drums that manifest the divine, and each person present is having their own spiritual experience. Its energy sucked me in, and literally went through my body directly to the depths of my soul.

It's enchanting and it channels something Godly that can only be felt. Sometimes it goes so deep into the body, that an old fragile man can be transformed into an agile and powerful dancing embodiment of an Orisha.

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I had always been drawn to percussive instruments, however, after living that, I understood that there is something more profound to be experienced. Part of it came from witnessing that improvisation. Indeed, these musicians were masterful, skilled and technical. However, there is still a possibility for anyone to experience transcendence through percussion if one is drawn to it.

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I have used drumming as my own personal therapy. It is one of the things that keeps me centered and grounded, and connected to spirit. It is through this connection that I find perspective to what life shows me and to whatever transitions I need to be experiencing through life.

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As long as there is rhythm, there can be peace.