Orishas have a long history, a lot of it hidden or demonized by white colonizers. However, we’ve been seeing these African deities pop up in the mainstream. Did you see these African deities in recent pop culture?
In the music world, it’s hard to miss the ways Beyoncé finds inspiration in Orishas – particularly Oshun, the deity known for her beauty.
There is also a Hip-Hop duo named Oshun, whose uplifting message and Afro-Bohemian aesthetic has been refreshing. Another duo, Ibeyi, also references the Orishas. This duo are twins – Ibeji is the Orisha that presents as twins.
They also make an appearance in movies. Consider the British short film Oya, where the Orishas return as superheroes!
We see the Orishas on TV as well. In American Gods, four Orishas are represented: Chango, Oshun, Yemoja, and Aye – helping the enslaved characters to freedom.
Spike Lee also referenced Orishas quite often in his Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It.
These African Gods refuse to be erased from our memory, despite very calculated attempts to do so. We can learn more about our ancestors and culture through these spiritual references – and maybe find strength within them.