Azowano is the new theme and European tour of Alexander Abreu y Havana D'Primera

October 8, 2021

The most recent success of Alexander Abreu and Havana D'Primera bears the name of an important deity in Afro-Cuban religion, "Azowano", also known as Babalú Ayé or San Lázaro. Alexander Abreu chose October 4th, Day of Orula, the orisha of divination (syncretized in the Catholic religion with Saint Francis of Assisi) to premiere the video of the song dedicated to San Lázaro.

On that day the musician also celebrated the 14th anniversary of his orchestra Havana D'Primera. In a live broadcast on his Facebook profile Alexander Abreu congratulated all the artists who have passed through his group and announced to them that, although they could not have a party because the country is in coronavirus crisis, he would present them with a premiere, a video of special significance in the current context that Cuba is experiencing:

"Azowano". The song is dedicated to Babalú Ayé, the "father of the world" for the Yoruba. This orisha is feared and respected by Cubans. His worship begins in Lucumí territory, specifically in Benin, Africa, where he is worshipped as "Azowano". Babalú Ayé or San Lázaro as they also call him in Cuba, is the saint who is identified as the creator of diseases, especially skin diseases among which leprosy stands out. His best ally is Ikú, death.

It might seem contradictory that such a singular figure is venerated, but devotees believe that Babalú Ayé is capable of healing through what perishes, to provoke a rebirth. He is feared and also worshipped for his miracles, generally linked with the healing of skin diseases and epidemics. The song narrates the Yoruba patakí in which Orummila (Orula) punishes Babalú Ayé for not staying away from vices.

Furthermore, it tells how he resurrected from among the dead and achieved his prophecy, escorted by two dogs. This is also the origin of the cult of San Lázaro in Cuba, a complex syncretism because Lazarus is not recognized as a saint in the Catholic tradition. In the musical theme, the rituals of Cubans to venerate Babalú Ayé are discussed. "They give him purple onion, a little dry wine and tobacco to smoke.

Everything is already prepared, the altar is dressed in sackcloth", says the lyrics. Alexander Abreu, who has just begun a tour of Europe, asks the saint in this song to work a miracle in favor of the Cuban people who suffer a terrible crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic. The health situation worsens other conflicts in the country such as economic and political ones, although the artist avoids touching these topics in his music.

"Azowano, Ashé my Babalú. Here we Cubans are asking you for health, health, Cuba! People who struggle against wind and tide, but we need a miracle my old one that heals our sick people around the world and wherever it may be", says the lyrics of the song.