By José Gandue @Gandour
Photo by Mariángel Gonzales
I don't know if there is a god in heaven, if there is a divine being who desires the good of us all. If so, if that higher being wants the happiness of humanity, He probably wants us to worship him by dancing before his eyes. And if we continue with this religious fantasy, I like to imagine that god is grateful when the Caribbean percussions come together so seductively with the fine electronic elements used by Otura Mun, an African-American drummer, producer, and singer, in his project. FAITH. Mun, a Puerto Rican priest of Ifá or babalawo in the Yoruba religion, is recognized for his production work with Mima, Cultura Profética and Calma Carmona, e ÌFÉ is his first solo project.
His album, III+IIII (It should be pronounced “Edgy-Og-Beh”), is an amazing piece. It's a fascinating invocation where the desire to pray for a better future comes together with gratitude for having the sea surrounding that sexual spirit that so dominates us. And that slow little dance that shakes us while we are infected by praise that kisses our necks until we tremble. It is a project made with heart, which never deviates from the purpose of achieving an intelligently captivating material., where you can feel the aroma of soul, Puerto Rican rumba, dancehall and the Santera tradition. It is an album that prepares us for dance, containing a healthy spirit open to the beauty of the planet, without falling into the prudishness of distancing ourselves from the worldly pleasures that we so desperately need.
III+IIII It's an intense journey of 9 songs, each with its own unique beauty. Bangah (Pick and stick) It integrates us into an exciting ceremonial leap. Umbo (Come down) It contains a loving, affectionate touch that transcends the boundaries of rhythm and blues. 3 women (Iború Iboya Ibosheshé) It draws on the deepest Caribbean feelings and elevates them to an exquisitely contemporary sensibility. Higher love, original composition by the British Steve Winwood, In the hands of Otura Mun, it transforms into a fine tumbao that touches us and gives us goosebumps.
Faith elevates what believers call the soul to a sublime point, to a state of belief that few musical examples achieve. III+IIII It's designed to enchant, and it succeeds brilliantly. Even if there's no such thing as God, the result of this production manages to transport us to a better place. This album should definitely be among the best recordings of this year worldwide.