Okonkolo are a New York-based group who centre their musical prayers around Ochun (also known as Oshun), the goddess of love and beauty, and Chango, God of the drum. Abraham Rodriguez, lead singer of Okonkolo, describes his introduction to the Santeria religion: 'The Santeria religion endured the transatlantic slave trade from Africa to the solares of Cuba and arrived in New York by way of Caribbean migrants who sought a better life in the barrios of the Bronx and Brooklyn'. This is where Rodriguez started working with Okonkolo producer and guitarist Jacob Plasse. A brush with tragedy reunited singer Aby and Jacob, when Abraham was the victim of a shooting. "I had a life and death experience, and by the grace of God, I was able to come back," Abraham recounts. "When I came out of the hospital, the very next day I went to a guiro (a religious ceremony) to sing, you know?". Following the groups 2018 album Cantos, they release a new single 'Canto Por Ochun'. An acapella vocal section opens the song. Much like a bird song, it begins with one voice that seemingly calls others to join in. Primordial percussion and bongos assemble, increasing the tempo of the song as it progresses. Ancient prayers and rhythms spring a new life in New York through 'Canto Por Ochun'. -Ellie Rose-Davies