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5 Things to Know About Oshun, Inspired by Beyoncé’s Grammy Performance

Beyoncé dons a golden Oshun-inspired costume in the 2017 Grammys.

Beyoncé’s Grammy Performance Channels Oshun, Spotlights African Spirituality

Beyoncé arguably dominated discussion surrounding this year’s recent Grammys. Her performance was an obvious homage to the West African goddess/Yoruba deity Oshun.

In many artistic representations, Oshun is depicted in gold, semi-nude bikinis with elaborate headdresses. Beyoncé paid tribute to Oshun before in “Hold Up,” the second single off her album “Lemonade.” She also shares another trait with Oshun — she is expecting twins. The regions in West Africa where the Yoruba are the dominant ethnic group have the highest rate of twin births.

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