The London Lucumi Choir presents the re- release of it's second album “Lullaby for Naila”.
This is dedicated to Naila Maria Francis Rosselson and to all those who may be interested in the stories of these songs that have been chosen. By Naila’s Grandmother Daniela Rosselson De Armas.
This album was a very special project. The gift that I wanted to give her was to raise awareness of her rich and wonderfully varied ancestry. It was also an opportunity to invite friends and family to sing on the album and for all to enjoy in the celebration of a new life. This was an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and wealth of culture within the London Lucumi Choir. Several members of the Choir sing lullabies that their mothers sung to them as babies. Although this is a very personal story, it is also a story that is shared by many, both children and adults alike who experience mixed ancestry and a mixed cultural heritage. In this troubled world, we find opportunities to remember that there is more that unites us then divides us. A universal theme of love for your child and willing that they should sleep is common to all, and the lullabies recorded on the CD span three continents, from 16 countries in ten different languages.
Meanings: Most of these songs have similar meanings, The object in a lullaby is to get babies to stop crying and go off to sleep. But what do they actually mean? Some of the songs have cultural references and may not, in modern times, be considered politically correct! Some are prayers for health and keeping the child safe, Some include little bribes and small threats. For example a small Slap is threatened in Drume Negrita and Night Night Night ( Pau Pau!). There is a threat of a sacrifice of a small pidgeon in Yalla Tnam Rima. Bribes include Dolls and Other Goodies in Drumi Nailita. The Yoruba Sequence offers many delicacies made from Black Beans (akara and ekuru) References to the importance of education are made in couple of the songs. as in Durme Durme and Ofyn Pripetchik and some are simply pleading with the child to please stop crying and go to sleep! Sounds Familiar? No matter where babies come from in the world we all want them to sleep well, so we all can sleep and to grow up healthy, happy and wise!
Nailita: These songs are for you, so that you will know that you come from a very rich ancestry from all over the world and so that you understand that you stand on the shoulders of strong, talented and creative people all of whom have had incredible journeys, many of whom were forced to leave their places of birth and their homelands. Wishing that you will feel at home no matter where you are in this small world of ours. This is also to remind you that you are much loved. Daniela R De Armas 22 September 2013
released May 5, 2020
The London Lucumi Choir: ( tracks 1,11,16)
Videos filmed By Elio Pena. Full concert of "Lullaby for Naila":
vimeo.com/178335641
CHOIR MEMBERS involved in this project past and present.
Daniela Rosselson De Armas Producer/MD ( tracks 1, 11, 16, 12 and Lead vocals on 11 Second part and track 4)
Gerardo De Armas (vocal percussion track 1, Bata track 11 and Lead Vocals Track 16)
Michael Clemente-Rosselson (tracks 1 and lead Vocals on 7) Michael was the youngest soloist on the CD and recorded this at 19 years of age. He is no stranger to the studio having recorded several tracks, he also happens to be Naila’s Uncle.
Davinia Baño and Jackson Scott. ( track 5) Davinia was singing for a few years with the London Lucumi Choir and now resides in Spain.
Nana Aldrin Quaye (Tracks 11 lead vocals first part, 1, 11, 16) Nana, comes from Ghana, was brought up in Spain and Lives in London. She was one of the more established members of the London Lucumi Choir.Since joining in 2009 she has also begun to sing lean in other projects such as Mama no Llora and Wara and backing vocals with many other projects. Nana is one to watch!
Lilli Elina ( Vocals tracks 1,11, 16, piano 7 &11)
Sonia Kounasso: ( tracks 1, 11, 16 and lead vocals 6) Sonia is one of the Longest established Choir members and contributes on this CD with her fabulous voice.
Juanita Euka (track 13) Juanita is from the Congo, brought up in Argentina and living in London. She began singing with the Choir since 2010 and has since become one of London’s most in demand Vocalists.
Other Choir Members on this recording include: Sandra Morales Cordovez, Sheila Ruiz, Mariela Magnelli , Gyrus Taylor, Gavin Durrant, Sabine, Marcia Williams, Rianna Morgan, Leah Barnett, Anita Chakraborty, Debbie White, Jim Le Messurier ( Bata), Mike Joffe
Friends, Family and Collaborators
Leon Rosselson ( tracks 4,9,12, Guitar and 14 Guitar and Voice)Leon is the father of the Director of the London Lucumi Choir and Naila’s Great Grandfather. He Is a songsmith, a legend, and Singer Songwriter, a performer, activist and writer of children’s books and poems. He is an inspiration to his family and he is currently still performing at nearly 85 years old
Juwon Ogungbe: (track 3 Voice and piano, 16 piano) Composer, singer and pianist met Daniela in the early 1980’s at Jenako arts which was an iconic non western performing arts Centre. Juwon has collaborated with the choir and received funding to write an original composition “the Time and the Trickster” for the London Lucumi Choir in 2009
Sarah-Jane Lewis: (tracks 2 and 8) Sarah-Jane graduated with Honours at the Royal Academy of Music in 2009 and continues to study the wonderful art of Opera.
Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas (track 8) Ahmed is an amazing virtuoso guitarist from Havana Cuba, He came to study at the Royal College of Music in 2005 and has won many scholarships. He also has recorded many CDs as a solo artist. For more information about this wonderful artist please visit
Anja Fahlenkamp ( track 9) is the organizer of the Interfaith Music Festival at Soas. She invited The Choir in 2013 to perform and that is where she met Daniela. She is also has a beautiful voice.
Lilly Driscoll ( track 12 lead vocals) Is an actor and also writes plays. She is one of Naila’s mum’s oldest friends, they went to Nursery together in North London.
Tess Hirst : (tracks 10 lead and 12 backing vocals) Tess Met Daniela via mutual friend Leeds Veteran DJ Lubi as a mutual friend. They have both Cuba and Wembley Park in common!
Reem Kelani (track 15) is a Palestinian musician and Singer/songwriter who has dedicated her life to bringing awareness to Palestinian culture and the political situation.
Amelie Clemente-Ridge: (Concept for the Design of the Cover). The cover depicts some children sitting on the world and the inside artwork is the Earth made with paint, glitter, leaves and other textures. Amelie Is Michael’s Sister and is painted the album cover at 5 years old. She shares Cuban and Irish roots with her friend Naila.
OTHER CREDITS:
All Tracks ( except for track 15) recorded and mixed at The Premises Studios by Jason Howes
Track 15 Galilean Lullaby recorded at Kingsway Recording Studio; mixed at the Premises Studios and produced by Reem Kelani
www.premisesstudios.com
CD Mastered by Barry Gardener @www.masteringmastering.co.uk
Produced and Directed by Daniela Rosselson De Armas
Artwork based on a concept by Amelie Ridge ,
All Copywrite MCPS