English & Literature

Who is Azaka from Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn and what is their importance?

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Azaka is a Vodou spirit that is central to Mama Lola's work and religion. He dresses like a peasant, just like Joseph Binbin Mauvant, wearing blue denim and a broad-brimmed straw hat. He functions to remind his devotees of their roots in poor, rural Haiti and of their ever-important connection to the land and the family spirits there. He is called Azaka Mede, Papa Zaka and Kouzen. He manages and directs the two worlds of family and business; the currencies of these two worlds are quite different, and his job is a most important one.