Natascha Rogers – Onaida (No Format!, 2024)
Natascha Rogers’ latest musical venture, Onaida serves as a serene refuge from the cacophony of modern life. Seeking solace from the relentless noise and haste, Rogers, a versatile musician known for her talent as a percussionist, pianist, and vocalist, embarked on a creative pilgrimage to the tranquil village of Pommerit-le-Vicomte in Northern France.
Drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultural influences including Yoruba spirituality, Afro-Latin rhythms, and her own Native American heritage, Onaida unfolds as an intimate and lovely collection of songs delivered in English, Spanish, and Yoruba. Notably, Rogers’ music is characterized by ethereal, enchanting and seductive vocals, coupled with mesmerizing world music rhythms.
Rogers ventures into uncharted territory with Onaida, retreating to a studio in Northern France to explore her creative depths. Reflecting on her nomadic upbringing and musical journey, Rogers shares insights into her formative years spent tethered to the piano, a steadfast companion amid shifting landscapes.
Onaida is anchored by poignant tracks like “Aniafa,” a tribute to Mother Earth, and “Sacred Night,” which mixes West African and Cuban rhythms with folk melodies. To be sure, Onaida invites listeners on a transcendent journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Collaborations with fellow artists, such as English singer Piers Faccini on “The West,” further enrich the album’s thematic exploration of humanity, spirituality, and womanhood.
Each track on Onaida offers a profound meditation on life’s universal themes, from the cyclical nature of existence in “Ashes” to the liberating pursuit of inner peace in “Run.” Rogers’ masterful combination of cultural influences, intricate rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics creates a musical landscape that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Buy Onaida.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
