OKAN brings their passionate Afro-Cuban jazz to an A2SF stage this summer! Fusing their Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk, and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance, and love. OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, Yoruba, and Spanglish, OKAN is led by Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees. Building on their Juno-winning sophomore Espiral (2020) and Juno-nominated debut Sombras (2019), their most recent release Okantomi, winner of a 2024 Juno Award, passionately advocates for freedom of expression, queer rights, and gender equality through what CBC Music calls “joy as a form of resistance.” Charged with the profound power of their ancestry, OKAN alchemizes Lacumi chants and Santeria rhythms with virtuosic jazz, classical performances, and indie-pop hooks to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Don’t miss their mesmerizing harmonies and virtuosic musicianship at Top of the Park!
This event is partially funded by and Arts and Humanities Grant.