By Abigail Aguilar —
Michael B. Jordan thanked God upon winning his first Oscar Sunday night, but social media channels speculate that he says he’s Babalawo, based on African voodoo religion, as he appears to say in an interview short about his middle name.
“I’m a Babalawo,” he seems to says. “And my mom when I was born (gave me the middle name Bakari). I got that name fresh out the womb.”
He speaks fast and it’s hard to be certain if he is actually saying “Babalawo” or even “I’m,” which might be “um.” There are no other interviews confirming his religious identity.
A babalawo is a priest of the Yofura Ifá divination system, derived from Benin, Togo and southwestern Nigeria. In Woke culture and anti-imperialist ideology, it’s cool to revive and pursue native religions as opposed to Christianity, which is blamed for colonialism, slavery and racism. Never mind that you’re actually invoking demons.
The interviewer of the short asked him about his middle name Bakari, from Swahili meaning “one with noble promise.” Swahili is from East Africa, the opposite side of the continent.
It is not contradictory for him to say, “God is good” and still be babalawo.
Jordan grew up in a Christian family and attended church through his youth.
He played Adonis Creed in 2015 Rocky franchise, as well as roles in Black Panther, Fantastic Four, Without Remorse, and Just Mercy. For One Battle After Another, he won best picture Oscar.
Related content: Caleb McLaughlin dumps IG, former Playboy bunny calls Jesus her homie, Lola Sheen escapes depression.
