Felix Roberts

Karry Mckenzie thank you for posting a photo of your Dad, Felix Roberts. Felix is the son of Matthew and grandson of Pappy (one of Robert Antoine/Abojevi Zahwenu's children). He's a healthy 82 year old. Looking forward to seeing him in August.

Anniversary of Ogoun Kwe

This is a little late, but the ogoun kwe (altar) is now 51 years old. Ogoun is the god of war and armor, iron and metalworking, wisdom and fire, and is associated with St. James. It was built on January 1, 1960 by Uncle Sedley, the hubono at the time.

Traditional Day in Benin Today

Today in Benin is a national celebration day in honor of the traditional religion, vodun. There are many ceremonies held where thousands gather. The peak of the ceremony is a procession of the whole population, all dressed traditionally and walking to the beach in honour of all the African souls who were taken on board to the New World from there. The procession also honours all the voodoo deities living in the ocean waters and in particular Mami Wata. So our own Abojevi Zahwenu was honoured in Benin today!

Antoine Black Eye Peas Accra

Here's a recipe for Black Eye Peas Accra, on of the favourites of the Rada feast, by Deborah Superville,

Antoine Black Eye Peas Accra

1 lb dry black eye peas
Salt
Black pepper
Onion/chive/green onion
Water
Oil to deep fry

Put peas in bowl and cover with cold water. Soak overnight. Use your fingers take the eye and skin off peas. (You can rub the peas in your hand to help remove the skin.)

Use a food mill/ food processor to grind the peas and onion together. (If using a food processor use as little water as possible.)

Beat the ground peas with a wooden sppon until fluffy, add salt and black pepper.

Heat oil in pan. Spoon the ground peas into heated oil. Fry using medium heat until golden brown.

D. Superville

 

Baptised Drum

This video from Ouidah, Benin depicts part of ceremony to consecrate a new drum. The Belmont Radas also baptised their new drums usually the day before a ceremony. A small food offering of rice, peas and corn is made. Also, a godmother and godfather are chosen for the drum. The last godparents were Henry and Natassha.

What is Voodoo?

Article from the Huffington Post.

Racism clouds our view of Voodoo. It is rooted in slavery and intricately connected to this hemisphere's political and social evolution. Voodoo was first practiced in America and the Caribbean by slaves of African descent, whose culture was both feared and ridiculed. Slaves were not considered fully human. Their religion was dismissed as superstition, their priests were denigrated as witchdoctors, their Gods and Spirits were denounced as evil.

November Ceremony

Back in the day, the last Rada ceremony for the calendar year would begin today, the first Thursday of November and continue on Friday. The ceremony is called Kututo and is given for the souls of the deceased. There is also a mass for the souls in purgatory at St. Francis of Assisi church in Belmont before the ceremony. Evidence, once again, of the tie between the Catholic and Rada beliefs. Click on the link and imagine yourself sitting in the tent tonight, singing and clapping until the drums are turned down.