Credit for the photo: Ashraf El Mahrouky
In the realm where spirituality and music converge, there are unique individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys, merging their artistic expression with a profound connection to the divine. One such person is Odna, a Slavic woman with a deep passion for dance, music, and spirituality. Her path led her from the bustling streets of New York City to the mystical mountains of Sinai and the ancient lands of Egypt. Today, we explore Odna’s remarkable spiritual journey and her exploration of the transformative power of music.
It was during a pandemic that Odna found herself stranded in the Mythical Mountains of Sinai, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature. Inspired by her surroundings, she began to incorporate her voice into her trance dance, releasing emotions and connecting with the healing energies present in the echoed sounds and songs of nature. Her dance and voice left a profound impression on the local Bedouins, revealing to her the transformative power of her voice as both an instrument and a tool for healing.
Credit for the photo: Ryan Burke
Embracing this newfound realization, Odna embarked on a journey of exploring trance states with her voice, resulting in the spontaneous creation of an entire album of improvised songs. Drawing on her years of experience as a professional space holder in healing ceremonies, she was soon invited to lead voice activations and sing during private visits in the Great Pyramid of Giza, further amplifying the healing potential of her music.
Guided by her spiritual path, Odna felt a calling to create a modern temple dedicated to the healing arts, inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor. Thus, the House of Art Temple in Siwa Oasis came into existence—a space for recording, artistic residencies, and exploration of creative expression in trance states. For Odna, Siwa Oasis is a sacred land, a healing chamber, and a portal of fertility for the Earth.
Driven by her passion for mastering the art of space holding through voice and dance, Odna’s journey led her to Gabon in Central Africa. Here, she underwent initiation into the Iboga plant medicine within the Bwiti lineage—a practice deeply connected to ancient Egypt and Greece. This profound initiation allowed her to harness the healing power and wisdom of the plant medicine, establishing a profound connection with her body and enabling her to work with it and through it in her musical expression.
One of the fruits of her transformative journey is the song “Rebirth – Ice to Diamond,” which was inspired by Odna’s improvised poem during her challenging plant medicine experience in Africa. Collaborating with producer Nomad in an Egyptian studio, she shared her vision for an African-inspired dance song that would guide people into a healing trance dance, harnessing the power of music to facilitate transformative experiences.
On 21th of June, on the Summer Solstice—a symbol of rebirth—Odna emerges from years of introspection and cocooning to share her music with the world. Represented by Cafe de Anatolia, she will bring forth an authentic sound that encompasses her extensive experience of healing trance. With her project, OdnaExperience, she invites listeners to embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and transformation through music.
As we anticipate and wait on the forthcoming release of her full album, we witness the culmination of Odna’s spiritual odyssey—a testament to the profound connection between spirituality and music. Through her artistry, she will offer a gateway for others to connect with their inner selves, transcend the ordinary, and embark on their own harmonious journeys of self-discovery and healing.