''Erzulie nennen O'', also known simply as ''Erzulie'', is a song composed at age 14 by the Haitian singer Kandjo (1879-1947), also known as Auguste de Pradines. ''Erzulie'' is often said to be one of his most beloved songs. Composed in the 1890s, the song continued to be played as "part of the Haitian folkloric repertory" at the end of the 20th century, more than 100 years after its composition.

Origins

''Erzulie'' was composed in honor of Erzulie Freda, a well-known female

lwa ( ), also called loa or loi, are spirits in the African diasporic religion of Haitian Vodou. They have also been incorporated into some revivalist forms of Louisiana Voodoo. Many of the lwa derive their identities in part from deities venerate ...

( Vodou deity), in gratitude for healing.Richard Morse (2016). 'Pradines, Auguste Linstant de (“Kandjo” or “Candio”)' In: Print . The teenager Auguste de Pradines was in need of healing because at 9 years of age, while living in France with his father, the child Auguste had been diagnosed with polio. His family followed physician recommendations and returned him to Haiti, where he was homeschooled. Five years later, at the age of 14, when due to his polio Auguste had no control over the left part of his body, he was "carried on his back" to

Notable performances

In 1995, ''Erzulie'' was performed as part of the Bouyon Rasin ("Roots Soup") Festival. The song was performed in two-part harmony by

Emerante Morse Emerante Morse, also known as Emerante de Pradines Morse (born Emerante de Pradines; 24 September 1918 – 4 January 2018) was a Haitian singer, dancer and folklorist, and the daughter of Haitian entertainer Auguste de Pradines (better known as ...

and

Martha Jean-Claude Martha Jean-Claude (21 March 1919 – 14 November 2001) was a Haitian writer, civil rights activist, entertainer, and composer. She was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and was well known internationally during her life and could perform in many lan ...

References

{{Reflist

External links

Erzulie nennen O
(3:26) rendition by RAM
Erzulie nennen O
(2:58) rendition in 1953 by L'orchestre Des Casernes Dessalines

translation of lyrics and interpretation 1890s songs Haitian folk songs