Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: forro
Song Meaning of “Velho Novo Exu” by Targino Gondim
Velho Novo Exu is a classic folk song from northeast Brazil. It evokes the area’s traditional Afro-Brazilian spiritual practices and its stories of the Orisha of Protection and Trickery, Exu. The song celebrates the presence of Exu in the community and its power to protect against the forces of evil.
The verses of the song tell us of the presence of Exu in the village, as Exu brings both protection and vices, but the chorus invites listeners to put their complete trust in him:
“Entreguem-se a Exu
Do velho e do novo
Recobrem-se nele
Onde faz caso e paz”(1)
This translates to: “Surrender to Exu, of the old and the new, embrace him where he will bring peace and order”.
The song’s message is meant to remind us to trust and find strength in the spiritual forces of the community, to protect us from the evils of the world. It captures the idea that Exu is both the old and the new, that he can be turned to for protection and guidance in times of need. The song is a reminder to seek solace in ancient traditions, even in the face of modern life.