Traditional Afro-Brazilian rhythms and ritualistic music meet experimental sounds on “Iroko”, from the incredibly creative hands and voices of Brazilian artists Iara Rennó, with Kiko Dinucci and Juçara Marçal.

Iroko continues the artistic journey begun with the Latin Grammy-nominated Oríkì (2022), further exploring Afro-Brazilian deities, the Orishas, through Iara Rennó’s unique vision. In this new release, Iara deepens her collaboration with Kiko Dinucci and Juçara Marçal.

Kiko, a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer from Guarulhos, São Paulo, co-founded the bands Metá Metá and Passo Torto. Known for his innovation in Brazilian music, he combines elements of Brazilian styles, candomblé, punk rock, and free jazz. He has also collaborated with legends like Tom Zé, Criolo, and Elza Soares.

Juçara Marçal, a distinguished vocalist, is known for her work with the groups Vésper Vocal, A Barca, and Metá Metá, as well as her solo career.

“Iroko” that builds on Iara Rennó’s twin albums, ‘Oríkì’ and ‘Orí Okàn’, which launched her project celebrating the Orishas. This piece, dedicated to the Orisha Iroko—often associated with time—marks a shift, introducing electronically manipulated sounds for the first time after two albums centered on organic soundscapes.

Iara’s connecton to Juçara goes far back. She says “I had already shared the stage with Juçara, but we had never recorded together. It was wonderful tovfinally make that happen, especially with a song that, in my view, is very connected to her. I didn’t know, but she had already written a song for Iroko herself. It’s truly a connection that made a lot of sense”.

Iara’s collaboration with Kiko Dinucci dates back to before her album ‘Oríkì’, where he contributed to the track “Laroyê L’ona”. Their creative partnership began in 2010, when they co-composed music for ‘Xirê Orin’, a show entirely dedicated to songs for the Orishas. The lyrics for “Iroko” stemmed from a longstanding request Iara made for Kiko to write an oríkì – a prayer or evocation – for Iroko, the ancient world tree and Orisha of longevity and ancestry. For this release, the oríkì was set to music, with joint production by both Kiko and Iara. She explains, “He is an amazing music producer, with very creative ideas and sounds that really interest me”.

“Iroko” brings familiar elements, such as Iara’s distinctive guitar and traditional Afro-Brazilian drums, or atabaques, which keep the classic Orisha rhythms, now accompanied by powerful electronic sounds – a fusion of ‘Oríkì’ and ‘Orí Okàn’ with a fresh dimension. The single opens a new chapter in Iara Rennó’s artistic world, while honouring the path that has led her here.

“Iroko” is released on Worm Discs on 14 November.