Devotee of Saint George, Zeca Pagodinho celebrates the saint's day, on April 23, every year. This Tuesday, the musician also took the opportunity to release a new version of his great success “Ogum”, with the participation of rapper Djonga from Minas Gerais .
The single is also the first from the “Zeca Pagodinho 40 Anos Ao Vivo” project to be released on digital platforms.
In a post on Zeca's Instagram, the caption says: “To live is to kill a dragon a day and today we celebrate our devotion to Saint George. Who raises his protective shield and protects us, who gives us confidence and brings calm to our hearts.”
“On April 23rd, Zeca Pagodinho releases a new version of “Ogum”, a song by Claudemir and Marquinhos PQD, which has become one of the most moving prayers in samba circles in this country”, adds the post. “Listen loudly, give thanks, and join Jorge’s immense legion!”
Religious syncretism between São Jorge and Ogun
São Jorge gained strength in Brazil also due to religious syncretism with orixás worshiped in Umbanda and Candomblé, religions persecuted in the country for centuries. Association with Christian saints was a tool found to keep their faith safe, under cover.
In states like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the image of São Jorge was syncretized with Ogun, the orixá of steel, fights and battles. In Bahia, the warrior saint is associated with Oxóssi, orixá of hunting and forests.
Prayer of Saint George in Brazilian music
Saint George's prayer has such a strong presence in popular culture that it has been set to music and re-recorded countless times, especially by artists devoted to the saint of Ogun.
In 1975, on the album “Solta o Pavão”, Jorge Ben Jor recorded his version, “Jorge da Capdócia”. It was even remade by Zeca Pagodinho and added to “Ogum”. Alcione and Maria Bethânia also made songs in honor of the saint.
Watch the recording of “Ogum”, by Zeca Pagodinho, featuring Djonga
Source: CNN Brasil
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