Chango

  • Orisha of thunder, lightning, fire, drumming, kingship.
  • Toques: Chachachá, Alujá, Obakoso.
  • Strong, fiery, powerful rhythms — central to batá tradition.
Name Language / Region Notes
Ṣàngó Yoruba ( Nigeria) Original name in Yoruba script (with “Ṣ”)
Shango Anglicized spelling Common in English texts and diasporic lit
Chango Spanish-speaking diaspora Used in Cuba, Puerto Rico, etc. (Santería)

Changó’s Toques on Batá Some of the main toques for Changó include:

  1. Chachá
    • A strong, energetic rhythm that marks Changó’s presence.
    • Played with sharp accents and a forward-driving pulse.
  2. Aluya
    • A toque used to praise Changó with danceable, syncopated patterns.
    • Popular in ceremonies because it’s closely associated with his identity.
  3. Obakoso
    • Means “the king does not hang himself”, one of Changó’s most sacred toques.
    • Very powerful rhythm tied directly to his myths of survival and triumph.