The Music And Magick Of Babalu Aye

Sonponno display at Smithsonian Museum of Natural History photo by Lilith Dorsey, all rights reserved.

Babalu

Babalu – Aye

Babalu

Babalu- Aye

These sounds resonated through my ears, and through the ears of many Americans on the popular television show I Love Lucy. For some people I Love Lucy was the first taste they got of Afro-Cuban rhythm and religion, most notably the Orisha Babalu Aye. In the tradition of La Regla de Ocha, also known as Santeria, Babalu Aye has a feast day which is linked to San Lazaro, December 17^th. The connection between these two powerful healers is obvious. Both are seen as a beacon of hope for those facing serious illness. December 17^th is marked with great processionals, prayers and promises around the globe. In certain African practices Babalu Aye is known as Obaluaiye, or Sonponno, and is seen as a child of Nana Bukuu.

Here are two powerful songs for Babalu Aye, performed by two of the most famous musicians honoring the tradition.

Lazaro Ros is the voice that many associate with the La Regla Lucumi (Santeria) tradition. Ros was born in Cuba and received a Latin Grammy award in 2001 and 2002.

Orisha Aye : Babalu Aye by Lazaro Ros

https://youtu.be/Wwe2EKhi2gU

Celia Cruz is a legend unto herself. Born in Havana, Cuba she went on to become the Queen of Salsa. Though many sources say her religion was Catholic, many of her songs are about the Orisha, including the following.

Celia Cruz singing a Babalu medley in Connecticut 1999

In addition to song, and dance, and prayer, there are many other ways to pay honor to the Orisha Babalu Aye. In my post December 17^th Feast of Babalu Aye I list the traditional offerings for this Orisha. There are many sacred herbs for Babalu Aye that can be used to prepare baths and ritual washes such as