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Voodoo is not a religion with a commonly held dogma or creed. There are many styles of Voodoo being practiced in contemporary New Orleans. Among them is the Cult of the Chicken Man that was originally created by the late Prince Ke’eyma. The Prince is said, by some authorities on Voodoo, to have founded one of the largest secret societies since the one created by the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. The Cult of the Chicken Man survives today, according to many, because of the devotion of Prince Ke’eyma’s devotee, Armando.

Armando the Voodoo King is the successor to Prince Ke’eyman. (Art by Ricardo Pustanio).

Voodoo’s Prince Ke’eyma created the Cult of the Chicken Man in New Orleans. (Art by Ricardo Pustanio).

Armando begins his day with a Voodoo grave ritual at the tomb of Marie Laveau. His apartment on the edge of the French Quarter is dominated by a large portrait of Prince Ke’eyman, who took the Cuban orphan under his wing and taught him the ways of Voodoo. Armando is proud to have received the power of Chicken Man’s legacy as his chosen priest, but also to have ceded him the right to become the guiding force of the secret sosyete. Although Chicken Man died just a few days before Christmas in 1998, a full Voodoo Burial and New Orleans Jazz funeral was held for him in January 1999. His ashes are kept in Priestess Miriam’s Temple on Rampart Street.

Armando does not believe in permitting those not practicing Voodoo to observe performances of the rituals. His detractors argue that Armando is against public demonstrations of Voodoo because he does not wish anyone to share the special rites taught to him by the Chicken Man.

Many individuals have reported seeing the spirit of Chicken Man all over the city of New Orleans, and Armando is upset about those who create fabrications about the True King of Voodoo. However, he is secure in the knowledge that Prince Keeyama’s followers know that his Voodoo was the real thing and that it will stand the test of time.