Iyesá Batá toques – Music
Iyesá is the music of the Iyesá, a Yoruba subgroup from the Ilesha region of western Nigeria. In Cuba the Iyesá have their own drums; there is also a toque Iyesá in the batá repertoire. The Iyesá mainly honour Ochún and Ogún.
Origins
According to EcuRed, the cabildo iyesá modu San Juan Bautista was founded in Matanzas on 24 June 1845; it regards Ochún and Ogún as its "national gods". Iyesá music is played on two to four short, cylindrical, double-headed drums, with bells that usually come in first. The drums are consecrated, but the drummers need not be initiated.
The Toque
- Association: Ochún and Ogún, the "national gods" of the cabildo iyesá in Matanzas
- Also for other Orishas: the CNRS archive holds Iyesá recordings from Matanzas (1977) of a toque and song for Yemayá
Ceremony Context
Iyesá toques appear in Lucumí ceremonies as part of honoring Ochún, and also in specifically Iyesá-tradition ceremonies (tambores iyesá) that maintain the distinct musical heritage of the Iyesá nation. These ceremonies are particularly preserved in Matanzas.
In Afro-Cuban Dance
Iyesá music is mainly played for Ochún and Ogún; see their dance pages: Ochún and Ogún.