Silence #52: Vernon Chatlein

For the 52nd edition of the morning series Silence, jazz percussionist Vernon Chatlein presents IKÚ.

In the Oude Kerk, Chatlein continues the sonic conversation between his music and the church building, and the history it represents. The musical dialogue he initiated during the exhibition of Ibrahim Mahama, together with trumpeter Peter Somuah and pianist Tony Roe, curated by Leendert van der Valk, is now further deepened by Vernon Chatlein in a musical program called IKÚ.

In the Yoruba Pantheon, gods known as Òrìṣà mediate human lives. Among them is Ikú, representing Yoruba the concept of Death. For IKÚ, Vernon Chatlein collaborates with High Priestess and Spiritual Healer Mara Letí to delve into Ikú’s elements. Expect ritual chants, life-and-death-celebrating songs, and the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Caribbean drums. This performance explores how Yoruba the Yoruba concept of death interacts with life. For death has no meaning without life…

Vernon Chatlein is a key figure in the Dutch Jazz scene, renowned for his cross-cultural musical explorations. This Curaçaoan composer and percussionist, after studying in Cuba, moved to the Netherlands to train with jazz legend Randal Corsen. His debut, Peace, Love & Music, blends jazz, Latin, and Antillean rhythms, often incorporating archival sounds to pay homage to ancestors and language. Chatlein’s work is a testament to the power of cultural fusion and innovation.

The organizers have been kind enough to offer a limited amount of free tickets for Subbacultcha members. Please make a reservation by sending an email to mailinglist@subbacultcha.nl with ‘Silence #52′ in the subject line + your name in the email. Not a member? Sign up here. Or purchase a regular ticket here.