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Showing posts with label African religions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African religions. Show all posts

Monday, May 4, 2026

May The Force Be With You: What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means (complete reprint)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part I presents several online excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

This is a complete reprint with the addition of two YouTube videos of the March 2, 2020 pancocojams post with a similar title. That post is still available on this blog.

The Addendum to this post presents a reprint from the only two comments for that March 2020 post. The comment section for that post is still open and comments are welcome for this 2026 post.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

May the Force be with you.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1


AfrikCosmos, Nov 7, 2025

Unlock the ancient power of Àṣẹ and Ịse — the sacred science of vibration in Yoruba and Igbo thought. Discover how the spoken word creates worlds, and learn how to use these forces for manifestation, authority, and spiritual power.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 --  Àṣẹ àti Orí: What Do 'Ase' and 'Ori' Mean? | The Physical & Spiritual Aspects and Connections


Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónkẹ́, Jul 5, 2019

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ÀSE" (ALSO GIVEN AS ACHE, AXE, AND ASHE)

(These excerpts are given in no particular order.)

Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha#Ashe
"Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà.[6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors.[7]

The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude.[1]"

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.orishaimage.com/blog-gallery/ashe
" "Ashe" is a very central word and concept for Orisha-worship. On the one hand it is used often at the end of prayers. It means "may our prayers become reality, may we receive the blessing by the Orisha, short: may it manifest!"

On the other hand "Ashe" more generally also stands for the eternal energy that fills the cosmos. It is the abstract power and principle of Olodumare, God. Calling for "Ashe" is calling for what lies beyond our human reality, that God’s will manifests on earth, where we live at the moment, and that we can experience Olodumare’s power.

It is written in the four main languages of Orisha-worship worldwide, from Nigeria to the diaspora of slavery and from there to the rest of the world: Yoruba, Spanish/Lukumi, Portuguese/Nago and English."

****
Excerpt #3
From https://science.jrank.org/pages/11051/Religion-African-Diaspora-Spiritual-Assets-Ase-Konesans.html
"Religion
African Diaspora Spiritual Assets: Ase And Konesans

Two central concepts in some African-derived religions are ase (or axe) and konesans (connaissance). Ase is the divine force, energy, and power incarnate in the world. Olodumare gives ase to everything, including inanimate objects. Ashe is the power behind all things in the universe. It enables people to find balance in life. The orishas are bearers of asheSanteros (Santerían priests) use ase to provide blessing and healing to devotees. "Ashe is a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. The prayers, rhythms, offerings, taboos of Santería tune initiates into this flow" (Murphy, 1993, p. 131). In Santería, herbs are impregnated with ashe. The color of the Obatala conducts ashe. Part of the Vodun initiation ceremonies gives the priest intuitive knowledge, or konesans, enabling him to understand people, diagnose problems, and perform healing."...

****
Excerpt #4
From http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/
"What is axé?

[...]

The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi.

In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting.

Some references to axé in capoeira songs:
Axé, axé / Capoeira tem muito axé
Axé, axé / Capoeira has lots of axé

Dos velhos Mestres que viveram na Bahia,
Manda todo o seu axé e também sua magia
Bahia manda seu axé pra mim

From the old Mestres who lived in Bahia,
Send all your axé and also your magic
Bahia send your axé to me

Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia.

There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão."
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_(music) for information about the genre of Brazilian music called "Axé".

****
Excerpt #5
From http://capoeiraucainla.com/home-capoeira-losangeles/2010/12/13/capoeira-wiki-word-of-the-week-axe-updated.html
Excerpts from the website CANDOMBLE - Uma Religião sem Mistérios a Serviço do Povo.

Translated by yours truly Guatambu (any improvements to the translation contact me)
"O Axé

A magical energy, the universal sacred of the orixá. A powerful energy that is always neutral. Manipulated and directed by men through the orixás and their symbols and/or elements. "

The most precious of Ilê*, axé is the force that ensures dynamic existence.It is transmitted, should be maintained and developed, as all forces may increase or decrease; and this variation is related to the activity and conduct of the ritual.The conduct is determined by the scrupulous observance of the duties and obligations of each holder of axé, yourself, orixá, and Ilê.The development of individual and group axé affects the axé of the Ilê.

* - Ilê requires its own definition here. Ilê is basically synonymous with terreiro. A terreiro is a temple or house of candomblê. Think of it like you would your local church, synagogue, mosque, or buddhist temple. Each of these types of houses of worship have their unique characteristics in terms of symbols, architecture, look, and feel, and the same is true for a terreiro. - Guatambu

"The axé is connected to the initiated, and directly proportional to its ritual conduct - the relationship with his deity, his community, his duties and his babalorixá (priest of candomblé)."

The strength of the axé is contained and transmitted by certain elements and material substances, is transmitted to humans and objects, maintaining and renewing the powers of accomplishment.The axé is contained in a variety of representative elements of the kingdoms: animal, vegetable and mineral, water (fresh and salt), earth, and forest (untamed vegetation or urban space).It is contained in the natural and essential substances of each being whether simple or complex, living or dead, that make up the universe.

There are places, sounds, objects and body parts (especially animal) impregnated with axé. For example, the heart, liver, lungs, gizzard, kidney, feet, hands, tail, bones, teeth, ivory, genitals, roots, leaves , river water, sea, rain, lake, pool, waterfall, orô (prayer), Adja (sort of bell), illus (drums) ...

Every ritual act and offering involves the transmission and revitalization of axé.To be truly active, these ritual acts and offerings must come from the combination of those elements that allow for a specific result or achievement. To receive axé means to incorporate the symbolic elements that represent the vital and essential principles of all that exists.

Xerife pointed out Mestre Acordeon's song "Pedir o Axé", and added the lyrics with translation below...

Vamos pedir o axé

(Lets ask Axé)

Pressa roda começar

(So this round can begin)

De conforme os fundamentos

(Within the fundations)

Capoeira e candomblé

(Capoeira and candomblé)

Axé Babá

(Axé Babá)

Oh ie viva Meu Deus! AXÉ BABÁ

(Oh yea viva my god! Axé Babá)

Oh Ie viva Seu Bimba! MEU CAMARÁ

(Oh yea viva my Bimba! My friend)

Oh ie é mestre meu! SEMPRE SERÁ

(Oh yea you are my master! ALWAYS WILL BE)

Oh ie volta do mundo! QUE O MUNDO DÁ

(Oh yeaa the world spins! That the world does)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai! MEU PAI XANGô

(Lets ask axé, my father! My father Xangô)

Vamos pedir o axé, minha mãe! IEMANJÁ

(Lets ask axé, my mother! IEMANJA)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu rei! REI OXALÁ

(Lets ask Axé, my king! KING OXALÁ)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai MEU PAI XANGÔ

(Lets ask Axé, my father MY FATHER XANGÔ)

Reparado added from Mestre Acordeon's book...

"Aché (Axé, Asé) is the magic force that moves all things in the universe according to the African religions in Brazil. It exists in all realms of nature and can be transmitted through specific rituals. Although Capoeira has no direct connection with religion, the capoeiristas, as the majority of Brazilians, are related one way or another with Afro-Brazilian rituals. Aché in Capoeira means the connection with the roots, a special energy to be developed by any capoeirista. To wish aché to someone means to wish good luck. For those who believe, some special people transmit aché through their wishes."

p.6 Almeida, Bira(Mestre Acordeon). Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1986. Print.

Espantalho added...

“At the heart of this Yoruba religion is the concept of àse, an individual’s personal spiritual power, which grows throughout life through a person’s diligent application to doing good deeds, coupled with appropriate and calm behavior and with service to the gods in the form of sacrifice. The reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essentially the giving of strength, the renewal of àse to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive worshipers with added ase. The rules of this loving support between humans and gods are all known to that father-of-all-knowledge, the babalawo”

~The Way of the Orisa by Philip Neimark p. XII

Babalawo is a priest of Yoruba religion.

“The orisa are energy that, for the most part, represent aspects of nature. Osun (pronounced O-SHUN) represents sweet waters, love, money, conception; Sango (pronounced Zhan-GO) represents thunder and lightning, strategy, and he is the warrior; Esu (pronounced A-shew), messenger to Oludumare (the single God), owner of roads and opportunities, owner of ase (spiritual energy)"...

****
Excerpt #6
From http://www.orishanet.org/vocab.html
"Lucumí Vocabulary

Lucumí or Lacumí is the Yoruba language as it is spoken in Cuba and the United States. Yoruba is a tonal language like Chinese. The accents serve to approximate the tones for those of us who aren't familiar with tonal language. Also, some of the difficult sounds like the african "p" sound which is pronounced as kind of a "kp" sound is approximated using "kp" or "cu". This vocabulary follows the Spanish orthography with a few exceptions to help English speakers:

The "ch" in Spanish is used simply because there is no "sh" in Spanish. We use "sh" here.

The "y" in Spanish often has an edge to it that approximates the English (and Yoruba) "j" sound. I have taken the liberty of using "j" here where applicable.

The "ñ" sound is used very sparingly here and is usually substituted here with "y".

As in Spanish, the accent is on the second to last syllable unless there is an accent mark over another syllable.

I should note here that Lacumí is an oral tradition and that the written versions were meant to be more "cheat sheets" than anything else and should not be used as "proof" of the decomposition of the language. Lakumí speakers in Matanzas and other areas speak very much as any Yoruba speaker would. I have spoken with Nigerian born Yoruba speakers in Lacumí without any difficulty whatsoever. In fact, on one occasion I was greeted with a very surprised "you speak Yoruba!!!" from the astonished Yoruba man I was speaking with.

Here are a few words in Lucumí to get you started:

[...]

Ashé: So Be It, The Spiritual Power of the Universe, Talent”...

****
Excerpt #7
From https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/39/ritmo-con-ach Ritmo Con Aché

[...]

a) "Aché does not mean ache. Ache is dolor, or achaques. The letter H is hache in Spanish. According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, of the Real Academia Española, aché is not a word in the Spanish language. However, looking up the song, if found a page on the song stating that aché is an african word that means a divine life force (in the santeria religion). Aché is a word in the West African Yoruba language."

updated Apr 20, 2011
posted by manutd

**
b) "I suppose that you are talking about a brasilean music. It's pronounced "Aché" is Spanish but is written "Axé" in portuguese.

Please, look at this place*."
updated Dec 26, 2009
posted by Carlos-F
-snip-
*That commenter gives the link to the Wikipedia page for Axe music that is given after Excerpt #4.

****
ADDENDUM- COMMENTS FROM THE 2020 PANCOCOJAMS POST' DISCUSSION THREAD

Thank you very much for sharing!! I feel very related to this! I'm a Latina from Venezuela! And we Latinos from the Caribean and other Countries have a lot of African influence!! And we Love it! Most of our salsa songs have the word ache! We sing to chango, yemaya and so on! It is beautiful! It feels like home 🤗 Thank you 💖

ReplyDelete
Replies
  1. Your welcome,Keyla.

    I know so very little about Salsa. .

    I didn't know that the word "ache" was in most salsa songs.
    I also didn't know that people in Venezula sung to the orishas.

    There's so much that I don't know. :o(

    Best wishes. from your sister in the United States.

    Delete
****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are w
elcome.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Comments About Sufism, Brujas, Mysticism, & Romani In The Discussion Thread For Jidenna's Video "Sufi Woman"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a three part pancocojams series on the 2019 song "Sufi Woman" by Nigerian-American rapper/singer Jidenna.

Part II presents selected comments about Sufism, and other mystical religious beliefs and practices from the discussion thread of Jidenna's official YouTube video "Sufi Woman". This post also includes examples of comments about the referent "Gypsy". 


Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/07/nigerian-american-rappersinger-jidenna.html for Part I of this pancocojams series. Part I presents partial lyrics for Jidenna's song "Sufi Woman: and showcases the official YouTube video of that song. Part I also presents selected general comments about that singer/rapper and that song/video from the discussion thread of that video's official YouTube video.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/07/comments-from-nigerians-and-other_25.html for Part III of this pancocojams series. Part III presents selected comments from Nigerians and other Africans from the discussion thread of Jidenna's official YouTube video of "Sufi Woman"

The content of this post is presented for cultural, educational, and religious purposes. All copyrights remain with their owners. Thanks to Jidenna for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who were associated with this music and this video. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. **** SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT RELIGION AND MYSTICISM IN THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF JIDENNA'S SONG "SUFI WOMAN" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7_Yg2BHVpU


Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

2019
1.Issa Sesay
"This is so brilliant. This album is literally an expo of African culture and our belief systems especially in regards to spirituality. Sufism is a section of Islam that is more spiritual and gives leeway to self-discovery. It's mostly practiced in the middle east, east Africa and West Africa. Some tribes merge it with voodoo and hoodoo."
**
2. Harun Shields
"MY brother this is an inaccurate representation of sufism"

**
3. mujtaba aliomer

"Sufism, mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God.. most African countries from Sudan to Morocco believe on Sufism as well as me ."

**
4. Porousha Al-Sayyad

"We hav always n still n forever will practice our Persian sufi culture"
** 5. Kirk Taurean
"Shout outs to all the Brujas out there"

**
6. Lala Lady VK
"I recently found out that my great grandmother was a bruja. I found out after slowly finding myself head in that general direction on my way to finding out who I am(what I enjoy, what I understand about the world, how I understand it, how I want to grow and work on myself). My parents let themselves be whitewashed so I didnt grow up speaking my grandparents language and I grew up in a church which taught me to be ashamed of myself and ruined my younger years of having an exciting, fun, and healthy sex life. I am still healing from all of that and still figuring out who I am. This video is beautiful. Jidenna is amazing for reminding everyone about these parts of the culture that have been forced away."

**
7. Raya Cotton
"This song is for our culture 🙌🏾 our Majik is real and original 👁💃🏿🧚🏾‍♀️✨"

**
8. Madeline A. Green

"la hija de la diaspora! bless evry bruja and daughters of yemoya and osun."
-snip-
Google translate from Spanish to English
"la hija de la diaspora" = The daughter of the diaspora"...

"Yemoja" and "Osun" are female orisas (orisha) in the traditional Yoruba religion (Ifa) and its offshoots Santeria, Candomble, etc.

**
REPLY

9. afrochica
"Yes...👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾"

**
REPLY 
10.  Shin
"Asé"

**
11. Conscious Wave
"BIG thanks to Jidenna for showcasing the magick of indigenous spiritualism! BIG UPS TO ALL THE INTUITIVES OUT THERE WORKING THAT MAGICK BY JUST BEING YOU! Brujas y Brujos! ASE'"

**
12. Brooke Danielle King
"This is soooo HOT! Thank you for showing positive vibes toward spirituality! This is awesome for my Ifa and Santería brothers and sisters! Ase! Love you Jidenna you should be more popular though your music is better than drake!! Frfr!!"
-snip-
A number of comments in this discussion thread were the single word "Ase" (pronounced ah-SHAY" by people in the United States). Here's some information about Ase from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%E1%B9%A3%E1%BA%B9#:~:text=Ase%20or%20ashe%20(from%20Yoruba,things%20happen%20and%20produce%20change.
"Ase or ashe (from Yoruba àṣẹ)[1] is a West African philosophical concept through which the Yoruba of Nigeria Nigeria conceive the power to make things happen and produce change. It is given by Olodumare to everything — gods, ancestors, spirits, humans, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and voiced words such as songs, prayers, praises, curses, or even everyday conversation. Existence, according to Yoruba thought, is dependent upon it.[2]
In addition to its sacred characteristics, ase also has important social ramifications, reflected in its translation as "power, authority, command."
** 
13. Fatima Haneef
"Is this not an insult to sufis??"

**
14. _HairFairyGodMother
"Soy la bruja an proud this shyt is the dopest mi gitana baila conmigo"
-snip"
My translation of this comment from Spanish to English
I'm a witch and proud. This shyt is the dopest. [the very best]. My Gypsies dance with me.
 **
15. Foster Ukah
"I dont believe in juju but I love the fact that because ethnic women are being represented well in this video.  Big ups Jidenna."

**
16. Gabby the Goddesss
"Where my fellow brujas? Like if you a bruja."
-snip-
This comment had 400 likes & 37 comments as of 4/23/2020 at 11:50 PM EDT, including argumentative comments about "witchcraft" and Christianity which I didn't include in this compilation.

**
17. REPLY
BLUE COSMIC DREAMS
"One Badass Bruja here🙋🏾‍♀️"

**
18. REPLY
Briante Jones
"La bruja ❤️"

**
19. REPLY 
Alexis Valeria Bolivar
"bien bruja AYE"

**
20. REPLY
Maya Rego
"Hola 🌙"
-snip-
The moon is a symbol of brujas.
**
REPLY
21.  azareya19
"; ) IFa"

**
22. azareya19
"Ifa ; ) here"-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If%C3%A1
"Ifá is a Yoruba religion and system of divination. Its literary corpus is the Odu Ifá. ...
Ifá is practiced throughout the Americas, West Africa, and the Canary Islands, in the form of a complex religious system, and plays a critical role in the traditions of SanteríaCandombléPaloUmbandaVodou, and other Afro-American faiths, as well as in some traditional African religions."
**
REPLY
23. BrownSuga Babe
"
Asè sistars!"

**
REPLY24. Melanin Moet, 2020
"Squaaaaaad, Àseooo!
-snip-
"Aseooo" is the Nigerian Yoruba word “Ase” + 3 “o’s” for emphasis


**
25. Joshima M
"But uhhhh Rumi was persian and so is the sufi culture. Turkey if we are tryinf to be real generous. Caribbean witchcraft has nothing in common with middle eastern mysticism"

**
26. Reina Teixeria
"I Love this music you are Amazing its about time that witches and Brujas get recognised and respected.  Coming from a Bruja much Love and Light."

**
27. Black Rose
"As a black Muslim woman who is from Afro-Caribbean descent, I didn't like him conflating Sufism/Islamic mysticism with brujería and even using the term "gypsy" for Roma/Sinti. I did like the part with the dark skinned West-African sister with the pretty earrings. His intentions probably were good but parts of the clip were problematic........."

**

28. M Hassan
"An actual Sufi Woman here! ❤️"

**
REPLY
29. foxylady246
"Where are yall from?"

**
REPLY
30. M Hassan

"foxylady246 Sufism is Islamic mysticism. I’m East African and come from a long line of Sufis."

**
31. Piper Marie

"I’m adopting this as MY anthem 💁🏾‍♀️"

**
REPLY

32. Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions, 2020
"Do you even know what a Sufi woman is? Please don't combine Sufism and brujas. They are not the same."

**
REPLY

33. Lexusfelder, 2020
"Maryam - Master of Movement lol it can be her anthem regardless do not be negative"
**34. maria e
"sufism ...a nice reminder that its practiced all over the world, Asia and Africa! love it"
** 35. Thejujubaby
"Im so happy about this song. More and more people are embracing age old practices and im happy we have a song we can jam too. I cant wait till i hear this on the radio"

**
36. Khalilah G
"I get the song it's super cute but facts are that a SUFI is a Muslim ascetic and mystic. There is no muslim sufi  chick belly dancing in this video. GORGEOUS women yes but no sufis.... I'm a bit confused about the title of song. Why not call is Siempre Bruja since its embracing the Brujas que practica magia o Santeria (witches that practice magic or santeria )????? My brain hurts".

**
37. SyL 201
"Love this dude I just wish this song was about AFRICAN women instead of woman of Arab descent. No offense but I don’t see no one making songs about our beautiful woman...oh yeah they also enslaved our people. I’m not racist at all... I love all but when you go African you GO AFRICAN."

**
REPLY 
38. poot lovato
"its not about women of arab descent lol....sufism is a practice in west africa as well thats why there was both arab and african women in the video"

**
REPLY
39. SyL 201
"poot lovato it’s an Arab creation adopted by African people like Christianity for example. Sufi is a Muslim term for mystic ...Sufi it’s self is not an African word so how could the practice be of African origin???
**
40. Djelem Djelem
Why do you not have real Roma women or the slur ”Gypsy” you say. We are not a free spirited lifestyle we are an ethnicity! Gypsy is a Word with a horrible history including holocaust and slavery not a Word for someone that does magic.
** 41. Carlzmatic
"This made the gypsy I am very happy :) I will be blasting this again later I just love you x"

**
REPLY

42. Djelem Djelem
"Carlzmatic are you a Gypsy for real or our real Word romani or do you just think it is an lifestyle?"

**

REPLY
43. Carlzmatic
"@Djelem Djelem I have it in my blood, I'm not going to give you my history but, I live it love it and I breath it.

**
44. Sunkissed Mami
"The women he has in all his videos are so mesmerizing and beautiful 🥰 I love a gypsy vibe"

**
REPLY 
45. Djelem Djelem
"Sunkissed Mami this video is problematic. The Word ”Gypsy” is a slur made for us romani people in europe during slavery and holocaust. We are usually christians but you non romani stereotypes us being witches and having a ”Gypsy” vibe. Millions of us got killed for that ”Gypsy” vibe and non romani just take our culture and think it is an lifestyle.

**
REPLY 
46. Sunkissed Mami
"Djelem Djelem It’s funny you tell me about my own history as if I’m unaware. I still find the beauty in things that are problematic not every gypsy is assumed to be a witch although it is common to think so by most people. I still find beauty in slavery I find beauty in all of the terrible things that has happened in the world because through all of it you get to teach others on the history especially those who are not so open minded. You can take a word someone used for you to slander you and turn it into something beautiful with a beautiful meaning rather than it being something that hurts you or makes you feel terribly. Stop assuming other people aren’t like you I didn’t come to slander the word I clearly came to say polite heartfelt things I’m sorry you’re hurt by the word but I am not my family is full of voodoo witch doctors do you see me upset about people calling them names do you think it stopped them from having a life? Do you think they even give af about what other people call them no they don’t.

So I’m sorry this word still hurts you but coming from someone who is literally mixed with almost all the races that everyone bashes I could care less about a negative word because I’ll turn it into something positive. Being called a mutt all your life upon other things opens your eyes to not be so stuck up on the past. And no I’m not saying it’s a good thing other people take from the culture but all cultures are taken from and this artist comes from a line of this history so why not talk about it turn into something powerful rather than scum. And yes I liked your comment because I don’t slander others with the overwhelming feeling of past. My first 8 years I grew up in Europe as well and I had to deal with racism being called this and that I clearly overcame it. But as I was saying I find it beautiful that he is uplifting these women.
-snip-
I reformatted this comment to enhance its readability.

**
47. guadalupe gonzales
"Lawd this whole time I didn’t know he was singing about witches"
** 48. Juju: The Web Series
"We love this song so much that we made a music/promo video to go with our web series that follows three Black witches and other Black and Brown supernaturals!


We would love for you to check it out.



** 49. Gbuddha10
"NGL I had to Google what a Sufi woman was when I first heard it. It's a catchy banger."
-Snip-
NGL= not gonna lie [gonna= going to]

**
50. cicelia corbin
"This song has such a mystical feel, i absolutely love it! jidenna neverrr disappoints

**
REPLY
51. Porousha Al-Sayyad
"Because our muslim sufi religion is literaly a mystical religion"

**
52. Kasia Randall
"Okay -- first of all, as a tarot reader, I would like to know the name of the deck used in this video! That definitely adds a layer of mysticism to the video (that I am absolutely in love with!) 😍

And I cannot say enough about all of the beauties showcased in this video! So many shades of earth! I get the feeling that several African countries had a representative."

**
REPLY 
53. ashjaymak3
"I was thinking the same thing! Very interesting deck."

**
REPLY 
54. Selina Cooper
"She Wolfe deck 3rd edition"
**
55. Kiwi The Beauty
"The African Boho vibes in this video my scene! I love this and this is definitely one of my favorite songs off the album. You need any more black Boho chicks for your next video I’m your girl!!

I love the black carefree black girls in the videos we are on the rise (not just hot girls)."
-snip-
"Boho" is short for "bohemian"

**
REPLY
56. Suyama cole
"I love the boho fashion vibes too such a classic style

**
REPLY
55. Djelem Djelem
"This video is still problematic for us real ”Gypsy” or romani people that was born with this ethnicity. This ”boho” style is my culture that we got killed for during our slavery and holocaust in europe, we are not an lifestyle we are a ethnicity!"

**
REPLY
56. Porousha Al-Sayyad
"This is not boho its literaly called sufi women its our 5k yr old persian tradition it's our religion we are muslims"

**
REPLY
57. aura nikole
"@Porousha Al-Sayyad  i agree with most of your comment...but romani people are from india originally..not europe. So..ope.
As a mixed romani/ethiopian who practices magick, has a lot of muslim beliefs, as well as beliefs in hinduism...this song speaks to me"

**
REPLY
58. "@Djelem Djelem  i am also romani, but no one is stealing our style or culture in this video. We happen to have a lot of sufi influence in our culture due to the fact we traveled through places that practiced. The same way we picked up influence from christianity."

**
REPLY
59. peachesandpoets
"@Djelem Djelem Hi, I'm african from a line of black spiritual healing women who have a lot of influence from persian and north african cultures and practice sufism.
This is literally not about you. Him saying gypsy doesn't make it about you. Don't do this."

**
REPLY
60. peachesandpoets
"What the hell is african boho vibes? lol."

**
REPLY
61. Djelem Djelem
"peachesandpoets so you mean i dont know my people and culture? Google gypsy. Theres only one type of Gypsy and thats us"

**
REPLY
62. Djelem Djelem
"peachesandpoets we are the gypsys in persia and north Africa we are all over the world"

**
REPLY
63. peachesandpoets
"@Djelem Djelem OK girl. Find a ridiculous reason to be a victim if you want to. Take care."

** 
64. Kelly Walker - CDLE
"This is a gorgeous ode to all the women who practice their magic with grace and love. We are out here and we will take care of you if you honor us."

**** 2020
65. Thani Moinamkou
"Tho Sufi are Muslim, Sufism has nothing to do with witchcraft and magical thing. It's about spirituality, but there's no witchcraft in it. I love the song but as a Muslim knowing that witchcraft is a big sin and suffi are Muslim I'm confused by this video."

**
66. shataura duncan
"Sufism  mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God."

**
67. Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions

"A SUFI IS NOT A WITCH. I HOPE YOU ALL REALIZE HE IS TALKING ABOUT A SECTOR OF ISLAM BUT TOTALLY TAKING IT OUT OF CONTEXT. COMBINING WITCHES AND SUFISM. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. SPIRITUAL, YES, BUT BRUJA AND SUFI WOMAN??? GET THE [abbreviated profanity deleted] OUTTA HERE. Starry eyed ignorant ass fools. Praising what you don't understand.

Sufism is getting closer TO ONE GOD, FINDING LOVE THROUGH ONE GOD. Worshipping other spirit is considered "shirk" in Islam. So I don't know who wrote this dumb ass song, but I don't like that they throw around "Sufi woman" as if a Sufi woman is a witch."

** REPLY
68.  J-Lynn
"Maryam - Master of Movement thanks for saying this cuz I was wondering what it is about.

But maybe if you would teach with love instead of caps and cussing?! I think that people would appreciate the knowledge?"

**
REPLY
69. Lovebug
"@J-Lynn yeah he is mixing a few cultures here... sufi, bruja voodoo he mentioned gypsies... but we get the gist."

**
REPLY
70. Lovebug
"@J-Lynn would have been better If he named the song voodoo woman"

**
REPLY
71. Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions
"Idk where you got that last part of the info, but hoodoo is different than voodoo, and Sufism is way different than voodoo, Sufism is the inward search of or the getting closer to ONE God. Combining Voodoo and Sufism would be totally shirk and haram. It would just be going against and/or contradicting Islam and Sufi teachings."

**
REPLY
72. Issa Sesay
"@Voracious Child I come from a line of sufis and I have just recently started practicing it and in line with my ancestral connection( african spirituality).

**
REPLY 
73. Issa Sesay
"@Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions They do seek for protection and guidance in both dear. Voodoo and Hoodoo is not evil, it is the intention of the individual."

**
REPLY
74. H A
"There is no voodoo in Sufi 😂 that’s shrik , Sufism does not exist outside the realm of Islam"

**
REPLY
75. Hak Clk
"@Issa Sesay it is still shirk, and committing shirk excludes you from being a Muslim/Believer immediately. When one neglects the pillars of Islam and starts interpreting/mixing other cultural aspects into it, he/she excludes themselves from the Ummah of our beloved Prophet s.a.v. Sufism is not that magical/superspiritual thing most people think it is. It merely is a Philosophy about the love towards Allah. Thats it."

**
REPLY
76. Mercedes Brixton
"She’s right. There is many Islamic witchcraft with Sufi philosophy"

**
REPLY
77. [REC] - Reserva Espiritual de Corvus
"@Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions Not everybody seeks Orthodoxy in Spirituality 🤷🏻‍♂️

If I recall correctly, Sufism made an impact in Al-Andalus back in the days in the Iberian Peninsula, where I am from."

**
REPLY
78. Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions
"@[REC] - Reserva Espiritual de Corvus huh? Sufism may not be all orthodox and it has more spirituality but we still believe in one God. It's not voodoo or witchcraft."

**
REPLY
79. Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions
"@H A exactly I'm trying to tell these poor people"

**
REPLY
80. Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions
"@Issa Sesay what?? Since when? Idk if you're thinking of a different cultural but it's totally Haram to mix those two. It would go against it all. I repeat, voodoo and Sufism are not the same! As a Sufi myself, you just sound ignorant, I'm sorry! I did see you say you are "reclaiming" your African ancestory, but you really should learn more about Sufism."

**
REPLY
81. Ariana Omnomnom
@Maryam•Ethereal Movement Productions She never said they were the same thing. She said that some tribes incorporate it. Meaning regardless of how you as an individual practice Sufism there are others who practice it alongside hoodoo and voodoo practices.

**
REPLY

82. A. Adeze
"Facts🔥🔥🔥"

**
83. Diana Muniz
Es hijo de Shango definitivamente 🤍❤️ la primer mujer de amarillo “Oshun” la morena que sale después 1:27 podría ser “Oyá” me enamoré de este video y el cantante está guapísimo 🤤
-snip-
Google Translate from Spanish to English
"He is the son of Shango definitely 🤍❤️ the first woman in yellow
"Oshun" the brunette that comes out after 1:27 could be "Oyá" I fell in love with this video and the singer is beautiful 🤤 -snip-
“guapísimo”= Standard English correction= “very handsome”


**
84. Kevin
"Thanks bruh for teaching, sharing and spreading knowledge that was written millennia ago, our ancestors knew the importance of being a holistic human being - spiritually, mentally, physically.
Proud to see Jidenna reaching out to these ancient truths."
🙌🏾🔥🕺🏽💃👊🏾

**** This concludes Part II of this three part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Monday, March 2, 2020

Videos That Include The Yoruba Word "Ase" (also given as Aché, Axé, Ashe)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-yoruba-word-ase-ache-axe-ashe.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents several excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Às̩e̩ | What Does 'Ase' Mean? | The Physical and Spiritual Aspects



Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩, Jul 5, 2019
-snip-
This video is given with captions. However, some of the captions are incorrect. For example, the Yoruba word “Às̩e̩” is incorrectly given as “a shake” or “share”. Those captions sometimes also uses the word “ashay” for “Às̩e̩” and that’s a closer transcription of that word.

Here's one comment exchange from that video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)

1. claude reed, 2019
"thanks for the explanation. there maybe another confusion what are the tonal usage with asheh and the difference between ashay and asheh. some i fear don't know the difference."

**
REPLY
2. Asabi Fatosin, 2019
"claude reed the diacritical marks give the correct pronunciation."

**
REPLY
3. Beats Boy,2019
"Ashay isn't a thing, it's a mispronunciation. It is pronounced 'Asheh'."

**
REPLY
4. Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩
"Like Beats Boy mentioned earlier, those are incorrect ways of pronouncing 'às̩e̩'. 😃 Everyone who pronounces the word incorrectly is trying their best, at least. God bless everyone. ❤️"

**
5. yaya centella, 2019
"thank you very much for sharing this with the world. many blessings and blessings of peace on earth. ase"
-snip-
Ase" (or "Axé'", "ashe") written at the end of a sentence, or the only word in a sentence is similar to or the same as the English use of the word "Amen" and/or the English saying "So be it" or "More power to you".

****
Video #2: Àdúrà àti Gbólóhùn Àṣẹ. Oração vinculado com ọfọ̀.



Ayokunle Omisakin Obalúfè, Apr 2, 2019

"Osun Itaguaí Festival", Rio de Janeiro 2019
-snip-
This video is an example of the call & response use of “Axé” (people saying "Axé" as the response to a “call” [other words].

Here's a comment from that video's discussion thread:
Fabio Sousa, 2019
"Axé!"

****
Video #3: Nana Malaya - "Funga Alafia"



The Kennedy Center, Oct 9, 2013

The Millennium Stage partners with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to present some of the best D.C. area street performers in a MetroPerforms! Showcase.

The Millennium Stage is a FREE performance series and part of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It features a broad spectrum of national and international performing arts companies, from dance and jazz, to chamber music and folk, comedy, storytelling and theater, every day of the year. Performances always begin at 6pm.
-snip-
Here are some comments from that video's discussion thread (including two comments that I wrote)

1. Azizi Powell, 2016
"Alafia, Nana Malaya!

I'm glad that I happened upon this video of your and your drummers' performance of "Funga Alafia".

I'm proud to know you.

Here's some information about this multifaceted dancer, choreographer, speaker, teacher, and entrepreneur:

Nana Malaya is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of her children is movie and television actor Lamman Rucker.

The poem "I Am the Original Dance Machine" (3:20 in this video) was written by New York City dancer/choreographer Bob Johnson, who also lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in 1969/1970 was the founder of the Pittsburgh Black Theater Dance Ensemble. Nana Malaya was a member of this esteemed dance company.

Ase, Nana Malaya!"

**
2. Stephan and Ashae Lyles, 2017
"My name... Same pronunciation but different spelling Ashae💙💜💚💛"
-snip-
Nigerians don't use "Ase" as a name. That said, this variant spelling of that word is a powerful name that Ashae Lyles (or anyone else with that name) can be proud of.

**
3. okallixti, 2017
"what's the origin of this song? is it in Yoruba? thank you"

**
REPLY
4. Angie, 2018
"okallixti Nigerian origin."

**
REPLY
5. Azizi Powell, 2020
"@Angie & @okallixti, The song that is known as "Funga Alafia" isn't a Nigerian song. Here's some basic information about the song "Funga Alafia":
1. The song "Funga Alafia" was composed by African American drummer and dancer LaRocque Bey in Harlem (New York City) in 1959 or 1960.

2. The word "funga" is a folk processed form of the Vai (Liberia, West Africa) word "fanga".

3. The words "alafia" and "ashe" are from the Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) language.

4. The tune for the song "Funga Alafia" is from the American folk song "Little Liza Jane".

Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNIe_D79xs for a sound file of Nina Simone singing "Little Liza Jane"

Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-real-origin-of-song-funga-alafia.html "The REAL Origin Of The Song "Funga Alafia" - Hint It Isn't A Liberian Song, Or A Nigerian Song, Or A Traditional African Song" for more information about this song.

****
This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part I presents several excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ÀSE" (ALSO GIVEN AS ACHE, AXE, AND ASHE)

(These excerpts are given in no particular order.)

Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha#Ashe
"Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà.[6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors.[7]

The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude.[1]"

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.orishaimage.com/blog-gallery/ashe
" "Ashe" is a very central word and concept for Orisha-worship. On the one hand it is used often at the end of prayers. It means "may our prayers become reality, may we receive the blessing by the Orisha, short: may it manifest!"

On the other hand "Ashe" more generally also stands for the eternal energy that fills the cosmos. It is the abstract power and principle of Olodumare, God. Calling for "Ashe" is calling for what lies beyond our human reality, that God’s will manifests on earth, where we live at the moment, and that we can experience Olodumare’s power.

It is written in the four main languages of Orisha-worship worldwide, from Nigeria to the diaspora of slavery and from there to the rest of the world: Yoruba, Spanish/Lukumi, Portuguese/Nago and English."

****
Excerpt #3
From https://science.jrank.org/pages/11051/Religion-African-Diaspora-Spiritual-Assets-Ase-Konesans.html
"Religion
African Diaspora Spiritual Assets: Ase And Konesans

Two central concepts in some African-derived religions are ase (or axe) and konesans (connaissance). Ase is the divine force, energy, and power incarnate in the world. Olodumare gives ase to everything, including inanimate objects. Ashe is the power behind all things in the universe. It enables people to find balance in life. The orishas are bearers of ashe. Santeros (Santerían priests) use ase to provide blessing and healing to devotees. "Ashe is a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. The prayers, rhythms, offerings, taboos of Santería tune initiates into this flow" (Murphy, 1993, p. 131). In Santería, herbs are impregnated with ashe. The color of the Obatala conducts ashe. Part of the Vodun initiation ceremonies gives the priest intuitive knowledge, or konesans, enabling him to understand people, diagnose problems, and perform healing."...

****
Excerpt #4
From http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/
"What is axé?

[...]

The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi.

In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting.

Some references to axé in capoeira songs:
Axé, axé / Capoeira tem muito axé
Axé, axé / Capoeira has lots of axé

Dos velhos Mestres que viveram na Bahia,
Manda todo o seu axé e também sua magia
Bahia manda seu axé pra mim

From the old Mestres who lived in Bahia,
Send all your axé and also your magic
Bahia send your axé to me

Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia.

There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão."
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_(music) for information about the genre of Brazilian music called "Axé".

****
Excerpt #5
From http://capoeiraucainla.com/home-capoeira-losangeles/2010/12/13/capoeira-wiki-word-of-the-week-axe-updated.html
Excerpts from the website CANDOMBLE - Uma Religião sem Mistérios a Serviço do Povo.

Translated by yours truly Guatambu (any improvements to the translation contact me)
"O Axé

A magical energy, the universal sacred of the orixá. A powerful energy that is always neutral. Manipulated and directed by men through the orixás and their symbols and/or elements. "

The most precious of Ilê*, axé is the force that ensures dynamic existence.It is transmitted, should be maintained and developed, as all forces may increase or decrease; and this variation is related to the activity and conduct of the ritual.The conduct is determined by the scrupulous observance of the duties and obligations of each holder of axé, yourself, orixá, and Ilê.The development of individual and group axé affects the axé of the Ilê.

* - Ilê requires its own definition here. Ilê is basically synonymous with terreiro. A terreiro is a temple or house of candomblê. Think of it like you would your local church, synagogue, mosque, or buddhist temple. Each of these types of houses of worship have their unique characteristics in terms of symbols, architecture, look, and feel, and the same is true for a terreiro. - Guatambu

"The axé is connected to the initiated, and directly proportional to its ritual conduct - the relationship with his deity, his community, his duties and his babalorixá (priest of candomblé)."

The strength of the axé is contained and transmitted by certain elements and material substances, is transmitted to humans and objects, maintaining and renewing the powers of accomplishment.The axé is contained in a variety of representative elements of the kingdoms: animal, vegetable and mineral, water (fresh and salt), earth, and forest (untamed vegetation or urban space).It is contained in the natural and essential substances of each being whether simple or complex, living or dead, that make up the universe.

There are places, sounds, objects and body parts (especially animal) impregnated with axé. For example, the heart, liver, lungs, gizzard, kidney, feet, hands, tail, bones, teeth, ivory, genitals, roots, leaves , river water, sea, rain, lake, pool, waterfall, orô (prayer), Adja (sort of bell), illus (drums) ...

Every ritual act and offering involves the transmission and revitalization of axé.To be truly active, these ritual acts and offerings must come from the combination of those elements that allow for a specific result or achievement. To receive axé means to incorporate the symbolic elements that represent the vital and essential principles of all that exists.

Xerife pointed out Mestre Acordeon's song "Pedir o Axé", and added the lyrics with translation below...

Vamos pedir o axé

(Lets ask Axé)

Pressa roda começar

(So this round can begin)

De conforme os fundamentos

(Within the fundations)

Capoeira e candomblé

(Capoeira and candomblé)

Axé Babá

(Axé Babá)

Oh ie viva Meu Deus! AXÉ BABÁ

(Oh yea viva my god! Axé Babá)

Oh Ie viva Seu Bimba! MEU CAMARÁ

(Oh yea viva my Bimba! My friend)

Oh ie é mestre meu! SEMPRE SERÁ

(Oh yea you are my master! ALWAYS WILL BE)

Oh ie volta do mundo! QUE O MUNDO DÁ

(Oh yeaa the world spins! That the world does)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai! MEU PAI XANGô

(Lets ask axé, my father! My father Xangô)

Vamos pedir o axé, minha mãe! IEMANJÁ

(Lets ask axé, my mother! IEMANJA)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu rei! REI OXALÁ

(Lets ask Axé, my king! KING OXALÁ)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai MEU PAI XANGÔ

(Lets ask Axé, my father MY FATHER XANGÔ)

Reparado added from Mestre Acordeon's book...

"Aché (Axé, Asé) is the magic force that moves all things in the universe according to the African religions in Brazil. It exists in all realms of nature and can be transmitted through specific rituals. Although Capoeira has no direct connection with religion, the capoeiristas, as the majority of Brazilians, are related one way or another with Afro-Brazilian rituals. Aché in Capoeira means the connection with the roots, a special energy to be developed by any capoeirista. To wish aché to someone means to wish good luck. For those who believe, some special people transmit aché through their wishes."

p.6 Almeida, Bira(Mestre Acordeon). Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1986. Print.

Espantalho added...

“At the heart of this Yoruba religion is the concept of àse, an individual’s personal spiritual power, which grows throughout life through a person’s diligent application to doing good deeds, coupled with appropriate and calm behavior and with service to the gods in the form of sacrifice. The reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essentially the giving of strength, the renewal of àse to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive worshipers with added ase. The rules of this loving support between humans and gods are all known to that father-of-all-knowledge, the babalawo”

~The Way of the Orisa by Philip Neimark p. XII

Babalawo is a priest of Yoruba religion.

“The orisa are energy that, for the most part, represent aspects of nature. Osun (pronounced O-SHUN) represents sweet waters, love, money, conception; Sango (pronounced Zhan-GO) represents thunder and lightning, strategy, and he is the warrior; Esu (pronounced A-shew), messenger to Oludumare (the single God), owner of roads and opportunities, owner of ase (spiritual energy)"...

****
Excerpt #6
From http://www.orishanet.org/vocab.html
"Lucumí Vocabulary

Lucumí or Lacumí is the Yoruba language as it is spoken in Cuba and the United States. Yoruba is a tonal language like Chinese. The accents serve to approximate the tones for those of us who aren't familiar with tonal language. Also, some of the difficult sounds like the african "p" sound which is pronounced as kind of a "kp" sound is approximated using "kp" or "cu". This vocabulary follows the Spanish orthography with a few exceptions to help English speakers:

The "ch" in Spanish is used simply because there is no "sh" in Spanish. We use "sh" here.

The "y" in Spanish often has an edge to it that approximates the English (and Yoruba) "j" sound. I have taken the liberty of using "j" here where applicable.

The "ñ" sound is used very sparingly here and is usually substituted here with "y".

As in Spanish, the accent is on the second to last syllable unless there is an accent mark over another syllable.

I should note here that Lacumí is an oral tradition and that the written versions were meant to be more "cheat sheets" than anything else and should not be used as "proof" of the decomposition of the language. Lakumí speakers in Matanzas and other areas speak very much as any Yoruba speaker would. I have spoken with Nigerian born Yoruba speakers in Lacumí without any difficulty whatsoever. In fact, on one occasion I was greeted with a very surprised "you speak Yoruba!!!" from the astonished Yoruba man I was speaking with.

Here are a few words in Lucumí to get you started:

[...]

Ashé: So Be It, The Spiritual Power of the Universe, Talent”...

****
Excerpt #7
From https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/39/ritmo-con-ach Ritmo Con Aché

[...]

a) "Aché does not mean ache. Ache is dolor, or achaques. The letter H is hache in Spanish. According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, of the Real Academia Española, aché is not a word in the Spanish language. However, looking up the song, if found a page on the song stating that aché is an african word that means a divine life force (in the santeria religion). Aché is a word in the West African Yoruba language."

updated Apr 20, 2011
posted by manutd

**
b) "I suppose that you are talking about a brasilean music. It's pronounced "Aché" is Spanish but is written "Axé" in portuguese.

Please, look at this place*."
updated Dec 26, 2009
posted by Carlos-F
-snip-
*That commenter gives the link to the Wikipedia page for Axe music that is given after Excerpt #4.

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