sunday- roots arena

The London Lucumi Choir  was formed in 2006 by singers Daniela R De Armas and Martha Galarraga and percussionist David Pattman. The choir was the only non-audition community choir dedicated to singing to Orisha ( Afro-Cuban deities) in the world accompanied by traditional Afro-Cuban drums. Interest in the Lucumi Choir exploded, after reaching the finals of the BBC Choir competition of the Year in 2008. Since its formation, the Choir has performed extensively and recorded five albums. They are currently launching album number five in February 2023. It is called “Iya” ( Yoruba for Mother) which pays homage to the female Orishas including Oshun, Yemaya and Nana Buruku. In 2019 they went to Cuba to work with the Coro Folklorico Nacional  de Cuba and performed in Havana’s famous Uneac venue.  Their style, energy and innovative approach has attracted artists from all over the world and they recently collaborated with New Orleans Based Producer Otura Mon which led to a contribution on Ifé’s last album. They were also invited to perform on stage in July with Grammy nominated  Bomba Estereo. They have just released a single produced by Urban London Based producer Raf Riley. They love to perform and also enjoy giving workshops and letting people experience the uplifting nature of singing Orisha Song and connecting with the drums. The London Lucumi Choir is the ultimate feelgood experience. They also do Song to the Orisha Workshops. 

DIRECTOR AND LEAD SINGER DANIELA R DE ARMAS

Daniela has been an performer, educator and dancer on the Cuban Music scene since 1989. She formed Salsa Y Ashe in 1989 and Salsasonica with Alex Wilson in 1995. Her love for vocal harmony led to forming  the Choir in 2006. She has lectured about Cuban music, taught Orisha song to children and adults alike and has been instrumental in teaching and directing over 60 singers in the choir over the last 16 years, including Singers Juanita Euk;a and  Namvula Rennie;  Musicians Eliane Correa and Sara McGuiness  and Author and TV personality Emma Dabiri. She also was one of the UK’s first Salsa dance teachers in 1989 and taught singing for the terrified in the Mary Ward Centre. 

CURRENT MEMBERS INCLUDE:

Singers: Mish Aminoff, Liz Gre, Sonia Kounasso, Jennyfer Parnasse, Dan Greifer, Jimena Pardo and Michelle Brillouet.  Drummers: Bill Bland, Lee Crisp and Patrick Cameron.