NYAC S2 E12: An Exploration of Traditional African Religions: Ifá (Part I)

Not Your African Cliché

Part 1 of 2. On this episode, we speak to Babalawo Ifakunle of Harlem and Oluwo Familusi of Lagos, two Priests of the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion. We discuss their backgrounds and journeys to priesthood, their thoughts on Nollywood’s portrayal of Traditional Religions, and ask if Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion is in conflict with Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism). The Ladies of NYAC recount their first interactions with Traditional African Religious practices, examine ways in which our current cultural practices are intertwined with Traditional Religions (listen out for when Yeka and Ify realize that they are from the same ancestral home!), and ask our listeners: what does religion do for you and how does your identity come through, if at all, in the practice of that religion? ---------------------------------- Resources: - http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/10/the-spirituality-of-africa/ - http://thegrio.com/2011/10/19/african-religions-gain-following-among-black-christians/ - http://www.npr.org/2013/08/25/215298340/ancient-african-religion-finds-roots-in-america Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye