Felipe Garcia Villamil & Ajamu Smith & Nery Madrid

In the Afro-Cuban lucumi religious community, music in general, and drums in particular, are an integral part of worship. An elder in the lucumi tradition, Felipe García Villamil comes from a long lineage of drummers, on his mother's side traceable to Africa. As the godfather of both Ajami Smith and Nery Madrid, he is responsible for their development as drummers for lucumi religious ceremonies, as well as for their spiritual growth. Both young men have already received various initiations in the lucumi religion, including the washing of hands required to play the sacred batá.

	The three drums of the batá: okónkolo, iyá, itótole
	The master Felipe Garcia Villamil with his Apprentice Ajamu Smith
	Practicing at home
	The master Felipe Garcia Villamil with his apprentice Nery Madrid
	The large drum, iyá, covered with its beaded cloth wrap made by Felipe.
	Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming

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Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming Felipe Garcia Villamil, Master Artist Ajamu Smith & Nery Madrid, Apprentices

Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming
Felipe Garcia Villamil, Master Artist
Ajamu Smith & Nery Madrid, Apprentices