Biography
Alfredo Calvo Cano, known as 'El Gallo' for his powerful and distinctive voice, was a revered Afro-Cuban folklorist, percussionist, and religious leader from Matanzas, Cuba. Born into a lineage deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions, Calvo became a priest of Agayu and was recognized as one of the most knowledgeable elders in the Santería (Regla de Ocha) community. His familial ties to Fermina Gómez (Ocha Bi), a foundational figure in the Egwado branch of Santería, shaped his early immersion in ritual and music. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Calvo became the owner and master of the sacred batá drums known as Aña Oba Tola, which feature prominently in recordings and ceremonies associated with the Kabiosile collective.
Calvo's musical and spiritual influence extended beyond his mastery of batá drumming; he was a sought-after Oba Oriate (high priest responsible for ritual leadership) and a skilled diviner using the dilogún (cowrie shells). He also held the highest initiatory rank (Nasaco) in the all-male Abakuá society and served as a tata (high priest) in Palo Mayombe, with spiritual artifacts passed down from his ancestors who arrived from the Congo. Through his leadership of the Cabildo Obba Tola in Matanzas, Calvo preserved and transmitted the complex musical and ritual practices of Afro-Cuban religion, becoming a central figure in the documentation and perpetuation of these traditions until his death on August 26, 2011.
Fun Facts
- Alfredo Calvo was affectionately nicknamed 'El Gallo' due to his strong, resonant singing voice.
- He was the owner and guardian of the sacred batá drums Aña Oba Tola, which are considered spiritually potent and central to Afro-Cuban religious music.
- Calvo held the highest rank (Nasaco) in the Abakuá society and was also a tata (high priest) in Palo Mayombe, reflecting his rare mastery across multiple Afro-Cuban spiritual systems.
- His family lineage includes ancestors who were enslaved Congolese, and he preserved ritual objects and knowledge passed down directly from them.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Fermina Gómez (Ocha Bi) - Calvo was the last living direct godchild of Gómez, considered the founder of the Egwado branch of Santería in Matanzas. (Transmission of ritual knowledge, batá drumming, and Santería liturgy.) [Mid-20th century – 2011]
Key Collaborators
- Kabiosile collective - Calvo's batá drums (Aña Oba Tola) and his performances are featured in all Kabiosile recordings. (Kabiosile recordings, 'Vamos al Tambor' DVD) [Late 20th century – 2011]
- Regla Calvo - His daughter, who was involved in the religious and musical activities of the Cabildo Obba Tola. (Cabildo Obba Tola ceremonies and community leadership) [Until her untimely death]
Artists Influenced
- Matanzas Santería and Abakuá communities - Calvo's teachings, leadership, and musical innovations influenced generations of practitioners and musicians in Matanzas and beyond. (Ongoing ritual practices, recordings, and community ceremonies) [1960s–2011 and ongoing]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Orula (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Echu (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Ochosi (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Elegua (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Elegua (presentation of the Iyawo) (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Agayu (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Yewa (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Obba (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Oya (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
- Oshun (Bata y Bembe de Matanzas: la presentación de un Iyawo de Chango)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
alfredo calvo y su bata oba tola has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | 16:36 | babaluayefrom bata y bembe de matanzas | World Journeyw/ Logan |