Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts

Alan West-Duran is professor in the Department of Cultures, Societies, and Global Studies (CSGS) at Northeastern University.

Acknowledgments Introduction: The Dogs of Myth, the Dogs of History Chapter 1: Don't Mess With the Saints: Afro-Cuban Religions and Popular Music, from Maria Teresa Vera to Hip Hop Chapter 2: "A River That Never Rests": Omar Sosa Chapter 3: Whistling into the Future with the Orishas: "Life is to Whistle" Chapter 4: Water, Crossroads and Diaspora: Magda Campos-Pons Chapter 5: Crossroads of History and the Spirits: Jose Bedia Chapter 6: All That's Ideology Melts into Flesh: "Juan of the Dead" and Palero Resilience Chapter 7: The Haitian Revolution and Vodou: Myth, Muses and History Postscript: A Dialogue with the Dead Appendix A: Regla de Ocha (Santeria) Appendix B: Reglas de Palo Appendix C: The Abakua Appendix D: Vodou Appendix E: Chart of Comparative Pantheons (Ocha-Palo-Abakua-Catholic--Greek) Appendix F: Vodou Pantheon with Catholic Syncretisms Appendix G: Afro-Cuban Religious and Vodou Glossary of Terms Bibliography Index About the Author

"This is an exceptional book, beautifully written, and infused with deep spirituality and academic rigor. Alan West-Duran offers a comprehensive exploration of Afro-Cuban religions like Ocha, Palo, and Abakua through the lenses of music, art, and film. He masterfully discusses how popular genres such as son, salsa, and rap reflect Afro-Cuban spirituality, analyzing songs that highlight faith, rituals, and cultural pride. Subsequent chapters study the work of distinguished artists like Omar Sosa, whose music brilliantly blends Afro-Cuban and global influences, and Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, whose art powerfully engages with identity and orisha spirituality. Through insightful analyses of films by Fernando Perez and artwork by Jose Bedia, the book skillfully examines representations of orisha archetypes and Cuban spiritual practices. It culminates with an insightful discussion of the Haitian Revolution and Vodou, offering a deep understanding of their lasting impact on both Haitian and Cuban cultural identity and social change. Afro-Cuban Religions and the Arts is an outstanding and illuminating work." -- Luis Duno-Gottberg, Rice University "Alan West-Duran has expertly weaved together an insightful interpretation of numerous African-inflected cultural practices in Cuba, including literary texts, musical compositions, the visual arts, and films. His analysis eloquently demonstrates how myth and history of African origin permeate Cuban culture, both popular and elite, especially through the influence of the three major Afro-Cuban religions: Regla de Ocha, Palo, and Abakua." -- Jorge Duany, director and professor, Cuban Research Institute, Florida International University