Orishas

Orishas is a Cuban hip hop group from La Habana that is active from 1999 to 2010. The group consists of Liván Nuñez Alemán, Ruzzo, Roldán González Rivero and Yotuel. It works in hip hop and latin, and its music combines new hip-hop rhymes with classic Cuban beats.

Albums and style

The group’s albums include A Lo Cubano, Emigrante, El Kilo, Antidiotico and Cosita Buena. Its first album, A Lo Cubano, is released in Spain in 1999 and helps establish the group’s international profile. Emigrante follows after extensive touring and is recorded in Paris, with production led by Niko Noki and contributions from DJ Mig-One.

Touring and performances

After the release of A Lo Cubano, Orishas tours Europe for more than two years, playing clubs, festivals and venues including the Olympia, the Ancienne Belgique and the Royal Festival Hall in England. It appears at major festivals such as Lowlands in the Netherlands, Roskilde in Denmark, Paleo Nyon, La Rochelle Francofolies and Pop Kom. The group later performs in Canada, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico, and returns to Cuba for concerts that draw large local audiences.

Collaborations and wider recognition

Orishas shares stages with artists including Compay Segundo, Orquestra Aragon, Iggy Pop, Cypress Hill, Macy Gray and Marcus Miller. Roldán González also appears on French rap albums by Kerry James and on international rap releases by Dari and Da Weasel. The group records with Passi on “La Vida Passa” and with Yuri Buenaventura on “300 Kg de Rap”.

Production and recording

The group works with the French producer and composer Niko Noki, who is involved in the first album and again on Emigrante. DJ Mig-One, who has two albums with his group Starflam, contributes three compositions to the second album. Emigrante is mixed at Polygone studio in Toulouse by Mario Rodriguez, whose work includes credits with Notorious B.I.G., Public Enemy, Mobb Deep, Fonky Family and 113.

Reception

Orishas gains attention in Europe and the United States, with coverage in publications including Time, Rolling Stone, The Source and Vibe. Its live work and blend of Cuban and hip hop influences help it reach audiences across latino, hip hop, pop and rock settings.