“Obatalá é Rei” marks the solo debut of Monica Avila, a Rio-based composer, flautist, and saxophonist deeply involved in Afro-Brazilian cultural work. Active in both performance and research around Candomblé music, Avila has long contributed as a bandleader, arranger, and educator. This first solo release draws directly on that experience.

The track opens with a Yoruba invocation and follows the ritual structure of Candomblé. Hand percussion by Alexandre Garnizé, tuned to ijexá rhythm, sets the pace, while Samara Líbano’s seven-string guitar provides harmonic depth. Avila’s vocal delivery stays close to liturgical cadence: measured, precise, and unadorned. Her flute enters briefly as tonal punctuation.

Released by Kaxambu Records on 11 July, “Obatalá é Rei” introduces a full-length project recorded with musicians and ogãs between Rio and Bahia, placing sacred Afro-Brazilian form within a contemporary compositional frame.

Listen to and get your copy of the single HERE