CANVAS-Cocobalé at Hamlin

In the Cocolembe tradition, when a great teacher passed, the community of fighters and musicians gathered to play and spar in honor of his spirit.Drums, songs, Calindá, combat and response were offered as a send off and celebration of the teacher’s life and legacy. Perhaps it was a century ago when we last gathered to celebrate a Cocolembe; perhaps even more… Yet it feels only fitting that Coach Bill Heglin's passing should be the moment that calls this tradition back into the circle, and that Bill’s own fighters will be the ones who will be sparring.