What is Vodou?

Vodou is often a misunderstood religion, sensationalized by the West. Often said to be "black magic" with demonic animal sacrifices. The truth of it is that Vodou practices and captures the resiliency and spirituality of the Haitian people. As with any religion, the intent is to create a bridge to the divine. Most Vodou practitioners haven't ever seen a Vodou doll in their life.

The following video really dives into the practice and there is a section tying the religious practices into the music. Each deity has its own music that calls it to the ceremony. The drums guide the spiritual session along with dance.

The Vodou practitioner is thought to be "mounted" by a Lwa, being a vessel for them as they come into the ceremony. This is also called trance or trance possession, although that tends to bring visions of the exorcists to the Western world, and some are trying to move away from the wording. The different styles of drumming call upon different Lwas. For instance, the Rada drumming is cool and serene while the Petwo drumming is hot and volatile, each ceremony calling upon different deities.