In South America, African-inspired religions gain more followers

"Water represents a return to freedom, to native Africa," said Mother Susana Andrade, known as "Mae Susana de Oxum", the president of the Afro-Umbandista Federation of Uruguay. Followers of African-based religions are on the rise in South America new data shows, a reflection of how the region's African heritage is gaining a greater voice beyond Brazil where such traditions are widely recognized.