A
Portrait
Of
Ohxala
The portrait I captured of the DJ duo Ohxalá reflects the essence of this unique musical project led by Maria and Luis. Using the wet plate collodion process, an ancient and artisanal technique, I brought the image to life, digitally merging their two faces into one.
Ohxalá is a musical endeavor that originates from Porto but draws its inspiration from the Amazon, Africa, and Portugal's native folk sounds. By blending carefully curated field recordings with electronic basslines, Ohxalá's music reintroduces ritual into the party atmosphere and forms a tribe from the crowd.
The Ethnobeats genre has flourished in recent times, as listeners seek a connection to the rhythms and sounds of our world's ancestors, while dancers crave an ancient authenticity to move to. At the heart of the Ethnobeats movement pulsates Ohxalá.
With their latest EP release, "Pong Disco," Ohxalá is experiencing creative success and has garnered a global following. An eagerly anticipated debut album is on the horizon, along with remix collaborations featuring acclaimed producers.
Traveling the world and delving into its hidden corners, Ohxalá continuously builds a collection of field recordings, collaborating with tribal musicians and sound-makers of all kinds. Maria and Luis draw inspiration from this vast reservoir of ancient sounds, infusing tracks once played on stretched leather drums with electronic basslines.
In their live performances, Ohxalá's audiences engage in a dance of an alternative future constructed upon a collective past. It is an experience that invites all to join in this musical journey and celebrate cultural diversity and ancestral heritage.
