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Soundkeeper Recordings

Markus Schwartz & Lakou Brooklyn: Kay Sa

Sen Jak Pa La

Traditional
Arranged by Markus Schwartz

This is a well-known Vodou song that can be played over several different rhythms. Our version was inspired by a 1947 field recording by anthropologist Laura Boulton, who spent 35 years recording traditional music around the world. The rhythm is a salute called Ochan (from the French “aux champs,” literally “to the fields” or “forward march”) and derives from military drumming. Godwin plays the part of the Òunjenikan (ritual song leader) on the saxophone, while the rest of the band responds as Òunsi (the chorus) while playing the full Rada drum ensemble of Manman (lead), Segon (middle drum), and Boula (smallest drum).

Saint Jacques Majeur or Sen Jak is an aspect of Papa Ogou, a patron saint of the Haitian revolution. Ogou is a warrior spirit of the Nago family (of Yoruba origin).

Sen Jak pa la                       Saint Jacques is not there
Se chyen ki la                       A dog is there
Sen Jak pa la                       Saint Jacques is not there
Se chyen ki la                       A dog is there
Chyen a mode/move                       The dog bites/is mad


Markus Schwartz: Haitian Rada Manman drum, tcha-tcha (shaker), vocals
Monvelyno Alexis: Haitian Boula drum, vocals
Bobby Raymond: Haitian Petwo Segon, vocals
Godwin Louis: alto saxophone

Listen to a sample