Chachalokafún Batá toques – Music
Chachalokafún is a batá toque primarily associated with Changó — the Orisha of thunder, fire and drums. In some lineages it is also played for other Orishas.
The name is written in many ways: Chachalokafún, Chachalokpafún, Chachalokuafún or Chachalokefún. They all refer to the same toque.
Character
- Primary association: Changó
- Character: Driving and energetic — one of the most recognisable batá rhythms
- Shared usage: Some houses also use it for other Orishas or as a more general toque
Rhythm
Chachalokafún is played on the three batá drums — iyá, itótele and okónkolo — in a ternary 6/8 feel. Drummers often describe it as the batá version of the bembé groove, and its melody is shared with other 6/8 rhythms, which makes it sound familiar even to listeners who know little batá.
Role in Ceremony
Chachalokafún is one of the toques most often heard for Changó, alongside Alujá and Obakoso. Where Alujá shows Changó's majestic side and Obakoso the dignified king, Chachalokafún carries his fiery, energetic character.
Because batá toques are not strictly one-to-one mappings, the way Chachalokafún is used differs between houses and lineages (casas de santo).
Dance
Chachalokafún is a favourite for dancing Changó: wide stances, powerful arm movements as if wielding his double axe, and sudden explosive turns and kicks.
Listen
Classic recordings of Changó cantos accompanied by Chachalokafún:
- Merceditas Valdés con los Tambores de Jesús Pérez — Cantos Afrocubanos
- Lázaro Ros — Orisha Ayé: Shangó