Sampson affirms that this chant had the effect
of taking the stickfighters to a level at which they felt no more pain. He
tells the story of a stickfight between Rocou John and Tiny Satan, that took
place in Laku Pebwa (in lower Belmont [VERIFY]) in 1875.
Tiny Satan hit Rocou
John six times in succession. Just one of these blows should have been sufficient
to call an end to the contest. Because it was part of the established practice
that stickfights were over at the first bus’ head. But Rocou John’s head was
baddened by the power of the chant. He felt no pain. He identified totally with
the power and force of Set, one of the great warrior divinities (orishas) of
ancient Egypt.
Rocou John was no Set,
however. He was just a stickfighter with a baddened head and six bus’ heads. He
was just a mortal man. He fell to ground finally still mumbling “Djab se yo
neg, Die nom-la bla, Bamboula.” He died still mumbling the powerful chant. His
skull had been completely crushed in (156-57).
TO BE CONTINUED
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