As I journeyed to the Jardines de Sumbios in Putumayo back in 2010, I faced the unknown with trepidation and faith.

I had no idea what awaited me, but my determination to find the medicine of the Cofan people and the community of Taita Querubin was unwavering.

Taita Jose Community in the town called El Churuyaco.

That year, I was introduced to Taita Jose by Mayor Jose Lorenzo, my Taita Lorenzo, whose story deserves its own telling.

After my first ceremonies with Taita Querubin and Taita Atahualpa, we went to visit Taita Jose. From that moment, a beautiful friendship blossomed, and he took me under his wing.

After that year, I started visiting him and Taita Querubin regularly. Even in those early years, I realized I was a seeker of knowledge, though I never imagined this path would become my own.

In 2012, after a series of ceremonies near Lake Cocha in Pasto, Taita Jose saw in me the capacity to serve the medicine. He sent me back to London with a mission that I accepted with prudence and respect. Taita Jose opened the path for me to delve deeper into my medicine journey and evolve my practice.

He was always generous with his knowledge, sharing his energy and wisdom during my yearly visits.

One memory stands out: during one of my visits, I was eager to learn about healing practices and plants, asking countless questions.

During a ceremony, he sat me down and said, "Mi Rafa, don't seek knowledge beyond your needs. Only seek what you need and ask the medicine what your patients need. When a man accumulates knowledge for the sake of power, he will fail. Remember, this path is for your whole life. Don’t rush it. All will come to you. Trust the medicine."

These words have stayed with me, reminding me to walk this path with patience and humility.

I have always returned to "El Territorio" to cleanse myself and check in with my taitas. Our journey hasn't always been easy, but respect, gratitude, and love have always prevailed. I owe so much to Taita Jose and his family. What I do and how I do it is their legacy, one that I treasure deeply.

I recall another profound lesson: as he taught us the mystery of preparing medicine, he set aside his guitar and shared his wisdom.

"God only speaks through good men. We are not the healers; God's energy heals, but we channel that energy. Behave in a way that you are worthy of that energy, and do it for your community, your family, and your patients."

These jewels of wisdom have guided me to walk this path with integrity and respect.

Now, after all these years, an amazing group from the UK and around the world is coming together to bring Taita Jose to the EU. He will be in the UK from August to September. I am deeply grateful and excited to host him at the Inti Waira House, where he will share his culture, wisdom, and music.

Taita Jose is not only a true disciple of Taita Querubin but also an incredible musician and prolific composer of medicine music.

We will also host a concert at the Golden Egg Multicultural Centre in Dalston.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the Colombian tradition of the Putumayo Rainforest.

Send us an email to find out more about his visit to the UK. contact@intiwairahouse.com

I hope to see you there.