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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 |