Welcome to the spiritual rhythms of voodoo, brought by slaves from the religion’s West African birthplace to its incarnations in Haiti (Voudou), Cuba (Santería), Brazil (Candomble), Trinidad, and New Orleans. Grupo Vocal Desandann, Lord Nelson, Gangbé Brass Band, Maria Bethania and Dr John stand side-by-side in this unique take on voodoo’s riveting musical history. 

More information at: www.worldmusic.net/store/item/RGNET1275/


There are many all popular misconceptions of the Haitian Vodou religion in Western media. In fact, there probably isn’t a religion that is more misunderstood that Haitian Vodou and its counterparts.
The songs featured on The Rough Guide To Voodoo include sacred music of Haitian Vodou, Cuban Santeria, Brazilian Candomblé as well as popular songs from the African diaspora that were inspired by these traditions, like those from New Orleans. It reveals that the religions and their music are remarkably resilient and have continued to thrive despite virtually every type of suppression throughout the centuries.
Haitian Vodou originated in Dahomey (modern-day Benin), and was brought to the island via the slave trade. Toto Bissainthe was a brave vocalist who challenged the Duvalier dictatorships by fusing her ballads with rhythms transformed from the sacred music of then prohibited Haitian Vodou. Bonus disc artist Erol Josue is a practicing Haitian Vodou priest. His music explores the traditional rhythms that connect to the religion’s rich history with a contemporary twist.
Santería and Candomblé were brought from Yoruba (modern-day Nigeria) to Cuba and Brazil respectively. Brazilian guitar legends Baden Powell and Vinicius de Moreas teamed up to create music dedicated to the Orishas of Candomblé. ‘Canto de Oxum’ by Brazilian legend Maria Bethania is dedicated to the Yoruba deity of love and intimacy. Lazaro Ros was Cuba’s most famous akpwan, singer of Yoruba ceremonial chants that invoke the Orishas. Grupo Vocal Desandann’s ‘Guede Nibo’ is a traditional Cuban song dedicated to the deity associated with the spirits of the dead.
Dr John is a rip-roaring New Orleans boogie pianist who explores Voodoo mythology. Louisiana military brass bands that are long-distance connected to Haitian Vodou funeral rites are represented by the thick, soupy horn track ‘New Orleans Funeral’.
Explore the fascinatingly rich roots of ancient religious practices across the African Diaspora on this uniquely conceived Rough Guide.

Erol Josué: Hounto Legba (taken from The Rough Guide To Voodoo)

Wow BIC

Boukman Eksperyans   KONSYANS    Haiti Kanaval 2022

REVELASYON

Danbala Wedo Vodou Society.mp3

Move Fanmi

A traditional song revisited. Starting as a slow airy ballad it works up to a fever pitch in the last verse.
Beautiful piano solo by Yayoi Ikawa
Produced by Chico Boyer, Cheff Loncher and Malou Beauvoir.

Spirit Walker

Papa Loko

Written by Malou Beauvoir and Paul Beaubrun. Produced by Chico Boyer, Cheff Loncher and Malou Beauvoir. 
A cry to Erzili, spirit of love, to help us do what is right.

Nwaye

Papa Damballah the creator of the universe is hailed in this moving rendition of Raoul Guillaume's song.

Papa Damballah

DJ ROGER - Al Mande Roger Pouw We [Kanaval 2012] ft. Vag Lavi, Fresh La & Ti Gary

Bamba Eya

Ogou Fe`

Spiritwalker, released November 2nd 2018, from Haitian-American singer-songwriter Malou Beauvoir,is a call. It encourages us: to rise up against the forces that work to polarize and drive us apart, to awaken to our spiritual ancestry, and to draw on that ancestry for guidance, support and inspiration.

Papa Loko

Malou Beauvoir

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