This tune is an arrangement by Alvear of one of many chants from the LUCUMI religion, also known as SANTERIA which originates in Western Africa, brought to the Americas by African people. Captured and transported by force to America to work hard labor, (one of the many dark chapters in human history), these Africans managed to mask their religious beliefs behind Catholic imagery. Despite horrific living conditions, this syncretism led the way for the development of a very unique pan-African religion which is practiced to this very day in many parts of Latin America and the world.
Elegua is one of the deities of the Lucumi pantheon who is, among many things, the keeper of the crossroads, the one who opens and closes doors and paths, a playful trickster who loves candy and children
lyrics
BARA SUAYO
OMONIALA GWANA MAMAKENYA IRAWO, EH
OBARA GWAYO E KE ECHU ODARA
OMONIALA GWANA MAMAKENYA IRAWO, EH