Artist, Houngan (Vodou priest) and a living emissary for the Haitian Vodou religion.
Putting his spiritual faculties intermingle with his musical power to provide solace to his community while building a bridge to others, the Haitian star Erol Josue is in the service of the spirits and Haiti.
Peleri-naj is the long-awaited return of Erol Josue after a 14-year absence during which the singer devoted himself to other life activities. He became the General Director of Haiti's National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE) in 2012. He has been fulfilling roles as a cultural ambassador, historian, and healer at universities and institutions across the world such as Harvard University and the Musee du quai Branly- Jacques Chirac.
For ten years, the artist set out to crisscross Haiti's cities to bring out the best facets, from an artistic point of view to change the stereo-typically negative image of the religion – even amongst his fellow Haitians – and share the vital message of respect for the natural world embodied in Vodou practice. He reshapes Vodou songs into sweeping, intimate ballads or jazz and funk structures propelled by the ancient rhythms of Vodou.
Recorded between Haiti, New York, Miami, and Paris the ordained Hougan (Vodou priest) reconnects with his audience with songs that tell of ancient wisdom and clandestine rendezvous. "Pelerinaj" is an invitation to a musical and intellectual journey, all at once sacred, intimate, and festive.