Decisions

The Habit Machine

I/U/WE/US

Another Cry for Help

Betray Me For Love

“I Wasn’t thinking”.  Deals with loss, and sadness. But, every sad song needs a happy ending” because, there's always potential for redemption or peace. 


High Tops

I wasn't Thinking

I Missed You Before You Were Gone

Control

The Summer Song

Ohxalá is the musical project of a Portuguese duo: Maria & Luís. Maria works as a printing technician in a photo lab and Luís works as a website programmer moreover both devote much of their non-working hours to music and photography. From this dedicated and parallel passion started the will to make it alive somehow and, consequently,it had been growing faster particularly since the recent adventure of the duo in Germany in 2016. Such a journey is the starting point of this plot. On his return to the Portuguese lands, eager for information; an effervescent and inspiring will to investigate and absorb settled in the duo. They are in need of a call to go through other times, other peoples; which have completely overwhelmed them.

The name Ohxalá comes from the Arabic expression “ 'in sha' allh ”, whose meaning is “God willing”, which is used as interjection to express the desire for something to happen. Nevertheless, it is also a reference to the father Oxalá, orixa associated with the creation of the world and of the humankind. Maria and Luís make distinguished use of African-born religions' "imaginarium" as a basis for inspiration in the elements of their music. This connection and rescue came to light their debut EP: "O Futuro do Passado EP" (“The Future of the Past”). The work alludes to the importance of the historical preservation of the rituals, songs, traditions and customs of the ancient peoples. Music that's transcendental, music for your mind, body and heart.

The EP includes four tracks. “Ossaim” is an encounter with the God of the forests and the flowers. In this piece of jungle-sound the duo invites us to embark in the woods, the ritual has begun. In the sequence appears “Sarvará”, an edit of a track of the very-very Brazilian ProjetoMujique; of this bridge Brazil-Portugal appears this second track, an electronic ode to Oxalá. “Ovoavoa” is an invitation to the liberation and celebration of life and love. An invitation to smile and dance freely. “Urubu Violeta” finishes the thematic clipping. It is a “musical illustration” of an original poem by actor Rui Queirós de Matos aka Spike that gives voice to the more futuristic composition of the EP. With an organic feel that is the result of an exciting layering, the Portuguese newcomers deliver a cosmic, fresh, unique and emotionally rich production of intentions.

“O Futuro do Passado” is a vivid introduction to the thematic clipping explored by Maria and Luís. With a down tempo ethnic's scene still embryonic Portugal seems to contribute strongly to the artistic extrapolation of the duo. An infinity of perspectives and colours, together with a powerful groove feeling make this project a unique sound experience. With the incessant search for ways of expressing themselves through popular music, Ohxalá delivers in such a different way a sound package that make us reflect on the past and look to the future without fear.

Ohxalá:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohxala/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ohxala

Credits:
Art: Helder Dias.
Master: Andreh Torres @ RD Studio, Brazil.
Voice: Track 04 - Rui Queirós de Matos.
Contains samples of the work of documentarist Ricardo Esposito.

Special Thanks:
To Vitor Aguiar our Olorum, one of the promoters of this project and creator of the beautiful Ohxalá logo. To Project Mujique, Rui Queirós de Matos aka Spike. Helder Dias by the cover art. To Casa Caos, Tropical Twista and all those who have supported and influenced our music. "Bem hajam, Axé!"

DOWNLOAD

Ohxalá feat. Spike — Urubu Violeta

Last July is a modern country/rock long-distance love storytelling ballad flavored with hints of traditional country and pop/rock.

Last July

I'm not gonna wait 'til my dying day - are you? !

Kismet - Original Sound Track

Kismet

Dying Day

Writing nostalgic pop music like it's the '90s, but you've been asleep since 1968.

Decisions

Rolling Holy

Related tracks