THE APPROPRIATION OF VODÚN SONG GENRES FOR

380 Pages·2011·4.85 MB·English

THE APPROPRIATION OF VODÚN SONG GENRES
FOR CHRISTIAN WORSHIP IN THE BENIN REPUBLIC

by

ROBERT JOHN BAKER

A thesis submitted to
The University of Birmingham
for the degree of
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY

The Centre for West African Studies
The School of History and Cultures
The University of Birmingham
June 2011
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ABSTRACT

Songs from the vodún religion are being appropriated for use in Christian
worship in Benin. My research looks into how this came to be, the perceived
risks involved and why some Christians are reluctant to use this music. It
also looks at the repertoire and philosophy of churches which are using
vodún genres and the effect this has upon their mission.

For my research, I interviewed church musicians, pastors, vodún worshippers
and converts from vodún to Christianity. I also recorded examples of songs
from both contexts as well as referring to appropriate literary sources.

My results show that the church versions of the songs significantly resemble
the original vodún ones and that it is indeed possible to use this music in
church without adverse effects. Doing so not only demystifies the vodún
religion, but also brings many converts to Christianity from vodún through
culturally authentic worship songs.
The research is significant as this is a current phenomenon, unresearched
until now. My findings contribute to the fields of missiology and
ethnomusicology by addressing issues raised in existing literature. It will
also allow the Beninese church and those in similar situations worldwide to
understand this phenomenon more clearly.

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Dedication

To Lois, Madelaine, Ruth and Micah.
For your patience and endurance over the past four years.
I am greatly blessed with such a wonderful family.

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Acknowledgements

Thank you Karin Barber and Allan Anderson for your invaluable
expertise, understanding and adaptablitiy and for the shared love we
all have for the African continent and its amazing people.

Thank you to all the Beninese people who so willingly assisted me in
my research, in particular: Mathieu Assogba, Théodore Houngbédji,
„King‟ Matthias, Josée Méongbé and Victorien the „zem driver‟.
You began as assistants but ended up as good friends.

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List of Abbreviations used in the Thesis

ADC Association des Disciples de Christ (The Association of the Disciples of
Christ church).
AIC African Indigenous Church/African Initiated Church.
CC Christianisme Célèste (Celestial Church of Christ).
EEU Eglise Evangélique Universelle (the Universal Evangelical Church).
MEA Mission Evangélique des Affranchis (Evangelical Mission of the
Liberated).
MEF Mission Evangélique de la Foi (the Gospel Faith Mission church).
MIERS Mouvement International d‟Evang lisation et de R veil Spirituel (the
International Movement of Evangelism and Spiritual Awakening
church).
PCM Parole de Christ au Monde (The Word of Christ to the World church).
SIM Originally the Sudan Interior Mission (now called SIM International).
UEEB Union des Eglises Evangéliques au Bénin (the Union of Evangelical
Churches in Benin, the denomination started by SIM).
URHC Union de Renaissance des Hommes en Christ (Union of Rebirth of Men
in Christ church).

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