juju1
/ˈdʒuːdʒuː
/noun [mass noun]
A style of music popular among the Yoruba in Nigeria and characterized by the use of guitars and variable-pitch drums.Perhaps Nigeria's most popular form of music is juju, which uses traditional drums and percussion instruments to back up vocals and complicated guitar work....
- The multifaceted man of mystery might mask his identity, but there's no hiding the vivacious grooves woven into his blend of highlife, juju, R&B and a touch of rock.
- Like Fela, he's politically outspoken and, like Sunny, he paints in bright colours - highlife and juju meet modern funkiness.
Origin
Perhaps from Yoruba jo jo 'dance'.
juju2
/ˈdʒuːdʒuː/noun
1A charm or fetish, especially of a type used by some West African peoples.These Sun jujus are made from recycled mardi gras beads based on a spiritcatcher/voodoo doll; hang this juju in a window near a door and it will help ward off evil spirits from your home or workplace....
- Some people carry jujus around with them all of which have been blessed by a Priest or Priestess to keep them safe.
1.1 [mass noun] Supernatural power attributed to a charm or fetish: juju and witchcraft...
- But for some it was an exercise in calming the nerves as the belief in the power of muti or juju set in.
- After a horrible storm or war, or anytime a lot of people die, is there some sort of bad vibe or negative juju imprinted on the landscape?
- No matter what sort of threat a politician is, usurping free will is pretty bad juju, as least as far as I understand things.
Origin
Early 17th century: of West African origin, perhaps from French joujou 'toy'.