The Regeneration of Erykah Badu’s Mind, Body And Soul

Ever since her iconic debut album, Baduizm, introduced the world to Erykah Badu back in 1997, the Grammy-winning songstress has long reigned as the “High Priestess Of Neo Soul”. But beyond her idiosyncratic style, willowy vibrato, and silky smooth mix of jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, Badu’s music resonates because of its thematic depth. Her insightful lyricism isn’t just socially conscious; it taps into the singer’s innate spirituality.

As a doula and holistic healer, Erykah Badu's prominence in this field has grown significantly in recent times. That's why Merasa ("feel" in Bahasa Indonesia) enlisted Badu to co-curate their renowned wellness festival this year, scheduled from June 1-8. Set at Desa Potato Head in Bali, this week-long event offers a fusion of traditional and innovative practices encompassing music, discussions, yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, movement, workshops, and more.

Ahead of the upcoming event, we spoke to Badu in a Zoom interview about her own journey of self-discovery and self-care.

What attracted you to Merasa 2024? 

"I feel more connected to this festival than any other type of event. Holistic healing is my life’s work. I’m also a doula by profession, it's my second job. I spend a lot of time with women and their bodies as they age, grow, and learn. So, I’ve participated in events like this before, but nothing on this scale, where I’m integrating my music with my healing work. I suppose my music is also healing for many; I myself get lost in it, and it's fulfilling for the entire room. But in this case, it's very intentional and structured. This is an important next step for me as a healer or energy worker, or whatever you might call it. For it to be held in Bali is special as well. It's a place of spirituality – you can feel the ancestors in the air, you can see it in the statues, you can smell it in the small garment shops. It's a better environment – more aligned with the earth and nature – than where I usually practice, which is in America."

Could you speak more as to your curation of this year’s programming?

"Merasa was very generous in entrusting me with the task of reviewing all the practitioners and bringing in some international ones as well. There were numerous dynamic individuals under consideration, and narrowing down the selection was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. However, I’m pleased that we managed to assemble an exceptional lineup this year. Some of the practitioners I wasn’t very familiar with, but I thoroughly enjoyed researching them, learning more about their modalities, and discovering their contributions.

I’m particularly excited about the sunrise ceremonies every morning, at 5:30 am and 6:30am. I enjoy being up early, feeling the dopamine coursing through my body, and connecting with the elements. Sharing that experience with others is incredibly powerful to me. I personally derive immense benefit from those hours; the elders refer to them as the 'God hours'. It's when we’re most open to receiving."

Is wellness viewed solely as an individual journey, or do you believe that having a community of like-minded individuals, such as what Merasa offers, is equally important?

"Togetherness is paramount. The convergence of diverse energies or emotions united by a common purpose is immensely potent and rejuvenating. Being among individuals with similar demeanours, passions, and outlooks enhances one's practice – whatever form it may take. The community also fosters accountability for one's personal journey, even if it remains unspoken. It’s implicitly understood that we’re all here to uplift one another. Gathering itself is inherently healing. For Merasa, it commences with my concert, and I've found that music unites everyone! Then our seven-day journey unfolds."

Were you always a keen practitioner of self-care? 

"If you’ve followed my career, you’ll notice that wellness is ingrained in every aspect of my being. Through my art, I consistently showcase wellness in various ways. In my music, I’ve always integrated tuning forks, singing bowls, and other sonic healing instruments. More recently, I've also incorporated electronic frequencies for that purpose. It has always been an integral part of my identity. As a young girl, when asked, 'What would you want if you had three wishes?' my answer was simple: I just wanted to be well. That’s my aspiration as both an artist and an individual. My music, lyrics, and songs all point towards the north star of our true selves and our highest potential."

What role does your music play in your own state of well-being?

"I believe my wellness stems from my music, and my musical inclination arises from my pursuit of wellness. Music serves as a profound source of healing for me. When I'm on stage performing, I shed feelings of wrongdoing, guilt, unhappiness, and anger. Instead, I feel a sense of purpose, as if I'm essential to the world. Performing fills me with gratitude and overwhelming joy. Continuing my musical journey has likely enhanced my overall well-being. It not only supports my lifestyle and passions but also brings smiles to my children's faces.

Expression is paramount, and maintaining mental wellness is crucial for my creative process. I opt to handle all aspects of my music independently, from songwriting to styling, as I genuinely relish the creative process. My wellness and music are intertwined in every aspect; they complement each other like partners in harmony.

Music, with its frequencies and vibrations, is intertwined with our existence. It stores our memories and evokes our emotions. Through music, we sync with the Earth's rhythm. It fosters connection and solidarity among us. Music possesses a unique power; it surpasses weaponry and serves as both a potent weapon and a soothing instrument. It acts as the unifying thread that binds everything together. Through sound and its absorption, we find restoration."

Speaking of frequencies, in your song Love, you describe how there are only two frequencies - fear and love. How can we more deeply connect with love in times of fear?

"The old ones imparted wisdom to me about these two opposing modalities. While they may seem distant, the ideal state is to find oneself in the middle. It's essential not to disregard either extreme, as even fear can serve as our guardian. Fear protects us from harm, but lingering too long in its grip can breed possession, competition, jealousy, and despondency. On the other hand, love manifests as discipline, gratitude, and encouragement. According to Kabbalah, 'Mercy without severity is weakness. Severity without mercy is cruelty.' Therefore, in self-assessment, it's crucial to strive for a harmonious equilibrium."

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You’ve mentioned that your practices have kept you feeling stronger than ever in your 50s. What sort of daily wellness habits do you advise people to keep?

"I encourage everyone to consult with the five doctors every day. Firstly, Doctor Sun provides the essential vitamin D necessary for our well-being. Doctor Nutrition plays a vital role as well; understanding our blood type, lineage, and genetic makeup can guide us in making informed dietary choices. Including fresh fruits and leafy vegetables in our diet helps maintain a balanced pH level in the body.

Next, there's Doctor Exercise – just 15 minutes of stretching or any physical activity can uplift our energy and mood throughout the day, reducing our reliance on external energies.

Doctor Sleep is often challenging to meet, yet it's crucial for our health. Adequate rest is essential, and I advise my daughter to aim for sleep a few hours after sundown to benefit from the natural release of melatonin, promoting consistent appearance and well-being.

Finally, Doctor Meditation completes the regimen. Each of us may practice meditation differently, whether it's stillness or breathing exercises. Regardless, dedicating time to focus without distractions proves immensely beneficial. Starting these practices from a young age helps instil habits that become invaluable during life's inevitable stresses."

THIS INTERVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY