juju

Juju is a term used to describe magical power, spells, and practices in West African cultures, particularly among Yoruba-speaking communities. In traditional contexts, juju may refer to invisible forces believed to influence events, as well as to objects, charms, or fetishes believed to embody or concentrate such power. The concept intersects with religion, folklore, and everyday life, and its interpretation varies between communities and individuals.

Historically, the word juju is derived from Yoruba and entered English-language usage in West Africa to denote mystical influence or trickery. In many contexts it is neither wholly benevolent nor entirely malevolent, but a practical means of achieving desired outcomes—protection, luck, or success—through ritual practices, charms, or talismans.

Juju music is a Nigerian popular music style that emerged from Yoruba percussion and talking drums, later incorporating electric guitars, keyboards, and horns. It rose to prominence in Lagos and across Nigeria in the mid-20th century. Notable figures include King Sunny Adé and Ebenezer Obey, whose ensembles helped shape the genre through elaborate stage shows and extensive recording. The music often features call-and-response singing and percussion-driven grooves that reflect Yoruba cultural themes.

In contemporary usage, juju appears in literature and media as a shorthand for magical or mysterious influence. It is often contrasted with other indigenous African belief systems and with imported concepts such as voodoo; while overlapping in some narratives, juju is distinct in its cultural roots and practices. The term remains part of colloquial speech in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, as well as in diasporic communities.