On Saturday night, the Sémaphore was full for the visit of the international music group Bénin. A diverse and intergenerational audience discovered the universe of the group from Benin. The entrance on stage set the tone: in an opening ritual, the voodoo percussionist honored the instruments. On stage, the group quickly brought its energy, blending traditional rhythms, gospel accents, rock, and rap. The audience didn’t miss a beat: some stood up, others danced at the foot of the stage. The concert ended with a standing ovation. “When you arrive in an unfamiliar place, you feel a bit like a stranger. On stage, we give everything to share our roots. And when the audience rises, the connection is made,” confided the still moved bassist at the end of the concert.
After the concert, a young spectator had the opportunity to meet Jimmy Belah, the singer drummer, backstage at the Sémaphore.
“For me, it’s the best show of the season,” whispered a local. “Dancing to these rhythms has conveyed a lot of emotion and joy to us,” added an Angolan spectator.
Beyond the concert, the evening provided a moment of recognition and sharing around a vibrant, modern, and respectful African culture.
