How powerful is African Jazz, really?

Hi everyone? How's life going with all of us? Before we go into today's post, I would like to know what you think about the new look of my blog. Yay or nay? I wanted a whole new look. I felt I had outgrown the straight-faced, very serious Atilola. I wanted to change my brand and aura to something my soothing, welcoming, and flowery hence the smiling pic on the side (I have always preferred my straight-face picture to smiling ones). Anyway, do you think the blog picture does justice to the intent?

So what is your opinion about Jazz? For those of us who might be new to this, I am not talking of Jazz music but Black African Power that is attributed to smaller deities and African gods. I'm sure every African knows these powers exist and are real. So the question here is do you believe in their efficacy?

During our honeymoon in Gambia, we visited to Kachikali Museum, and saw several charms, to be used for different purposes. Although I feel Gambian jazz is a learner where ancient Nigerian Babalowos are (which is understandable, because it is a very small country, it just an experience standing face to face with charms and amulets. See for yourself below.

... But first, some masks

The kungkuntungo mask below is used by the Bakaus, Lamins, and Brikamas during male circumcision and other festivities

Read the story behind this painting in the picture below.

And now, to the Jazz

This is used for protection against adversaries and
unforseen circimstances

The jazz below basically turns you into a zombie, and allows the person on offensive do whatever he/she wants with you. So what happens if the both parties are wearing it?

The one below is the one which allows people disappear... just the way we see in Abija Awara and Fadeyi Oloro movies. Who has ever seen this happen in real life?

 This one below should be handled by elders only because it is used to kill. Hmm... does that mean children were allowed to handle the other types of charms?

This one below is a multipurpose juju, and also makes the wearer blade proof i.e. the person cannot be stabbed or cut with a knife. Hmmm

Children are officially allowed to handle the one below. After all, it is made for them, to protect them from sickness and witches.

This one protects the foetus of pregnant women from evil spirits. Isn't it just easier to use safety pin to prick the evil spirits like Nigerian women always do?

For circumcision

 To those who want someone to fall in love with you, this is for you. Just put it in the waterpot in your subject's house.

Bullet proof and blade proof jazz.

I like this juju, lol. It prevents people from bad mouthing you, and being jealous of you.

Just point this antelope horn jazz to your enemy, and he will die. Can somebody shout EWO, lol.

What do you get when you write koranic verses, and mix it with the skin of a black cat? A jazz that can help you disappear and hypnotise your enemy, all in one.

Another Bullet proof jazz.

It is apparent in those days, a typical Gambian will have to wear so many charms, just to live an averagely sane life.

I asked our tour guide, Keep Smiling, if all these jazz really worked. His response was that if you believe in their power, that they'll work for or against you when someone points them at you, then they'll work. But as for him, he doesn't believe in their power. His explanation nade sense to me.

Thank God for the finished work of Christ on the cross. Now, we don't have to subject ourselves to wearing numerous charms and amulets as protection against the enemy.