Dendê Macêdo’s latest work is a cascading symphony of ecstatic percussive beats to invoke the gods of Afro-Brazilian Candomblé. Having never had the pleasure of diving into this style of music, the entire experience of Ago was an absolute delight to go through. Of course, the language and the lyricism might pass over my head given my lack of comprehension, but the feeling comes through in droves on droves. The entire record feels like an outpouring of community, a great familial flowery feeling that has you clapping your hands, reaching for your friends, and imbibing all that’s great about life around you. You start to chant Agô alongside the group, yearning to be part of the congregation.
The title of both the album and its lead track, “Agô” means ‘to ask permission’ in Yoruba, a language used by Brazilian practitioners of Candomblé, in deference to the Orixas, deities in religion’s pantheon. Far before he became an internationally renowned musician, Dendê started off with simple beginnings in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. Having been raised by a single mother in a household immersed in the AfroBrazilian faith, music, dance, and community became intrinsic to Dendê’s ethos.
The entire record is a celebration of faith, with more than half of the songs being directly related to the celebration of deities in his religion. It’s a decision he makes to credit and hold himself true to that which guided him down the right way of life. The melodies are light-hearted, effervescent, and innately enthusiastic in style and substance. But it’s of course in the percussive rhythm and bounce that you truly start to find yourself wholeheartedly captivated and immersed in this ever so satisfying album.