Born in Havana, Cuba, Elizabeth Rodriguez is a classically trained violinist who served as concertmaster for Havana’s Youth Orchestra. Magdelys Savigne hails from Santiago de Cuba and graduated with honors in orchestral percussion from Havana’s University of the Arts. Both are also Grammy-nominees for their contributions to Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, of which they are former members. Together they are OKAN.

Taking their name from the word for heart in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, OKAN, is a women-led ensemble that fuses Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk, and global rhythms in songs about immigration, courage, and love. OKAN is an award-winning contemporary Afro-Cuban root and jazz duo. They are most noted for their 2020 album Espiral, which won the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2021. The world of OKAN is steeped in the faith of Santeria. We follow OKAN on their musical and faith journey throughout shows in Toronto.