The Lion King | 19
Country Focus
Zeynab
Voodoo and Christianity
There are two major religions in Benin: Voodoo and
Christianity. Voodoo is a native religion of the ancient
kingdom of Danhomey (West Africa). From the seven-
teenth century, slaves from this region of Africa spread
the Voodoo religion to the Caribbeans and Americas.
It is found in different forms in Cuba, Haiti, Brazil and
the United States, especially in Louisiana. Each year on
January 10, a big celebration of Voodooism is organ-
ised, attracting multitudes of people from various
places. Due to the important nature of the celebra-
tion, the day is usually declared a public holiday.
The Celeste Christian community was created in
September 29, 1947 in Porto-Novo by the Rever-
end Pastor Prophet Founder Samuel Joseph Biléou
OSHOFFA. This religion, whose followers dress in a white
robe and bare feet, spread worldwide from Benin.
Celeste Christians are present today all over the world,
with strong footprints in countries like Nigeria, Ghana,
Togo as well as in Europe and America.
Benin Republic is known for syncretic religious
practices. In all, there is strong religious tolerance
in them and the ratio of population according to
religious divisions is 40% animist , 35% Christians, 15%
Muslims and10% Others.
Z
eynab is one of the most famous
international Beninese singers.
Her real name is Zeynab HABIB
Oloukèmi. She grew up in Côte
d'Ivoire where she was born. Her
grandmother was a renowned
singer in her village. Her uncle is also
a musician playing the traditional
music“Bolojo” while her elder brother
is a DJ in a popular nightclub in Paris.
She returned to Benin in 1993, to
continue her education but soon
went into music in 1995 joining the
Super Quartz group, which later
made her their lead singer.
Through this group, she had the
opportunity to work as a vocalist
with many top artists in Africa. She
also veered briefly into the movies
taking part in a film directed by the
Chinese in Benin and also in a TV
commercial. In summer 2001, she
travelled to France to learn more
about music.
Her first album INTORI, sung in
different rhythms and languages of
Benin Republic, sold 6,000 copies,
and had 14 tracks. Released
in February 2002, at VIP Club, it
marked her entry into the world of
professional music.
Since then, she has gone on to
release two additional albums;
''D’un endroit à un autre'' released
in 2004 and the current and 3rd
album called ‘Olukemi’ released in
September 2013.
On these albums, the artist sings
in Yoruba, French and English,
which gives the albums a universal
character with the several cultures
highlighted. She won the Kora
Award in 2005 in the category of
best female Artist from West Africa.
Zynab has also been a National
Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF
since 2007 working for the defence
and the rights of children.
Notable Personality
Behanzin Statue
at the Goho
Place, Abomey
