Nana Benz du Togo (Togo)

Hard hitting, sparse, catchy and deep - in the music of Nana Benz, voodoo traditions meet the modern dance floor, and the result is impossible to stand still to. This will be one of the hottest, most groovy nights during this year's festival. Their name, which means “The Mothers with the Benz”, comes from a group of Togolese women who traded in printed textiles, and became so successful that they turned their country into a hub of the textile trade in West Africa. The economic, social, and political status they gained through this success were demonstrated by purchasing luxury vehicles, primarily of the Mercedes-Benz brand. They are regarded as the first female millionaires on the African continent. 

The members of Nana Benz met during a musical workshop. They did not know each other from before, but discovered that they were on the same wavelength. The two percussionists played on an instrumentarium made out of recycled materials. The basslines were  created by two PVC tubes (the Gazé Tuyau), and a suitcase that had belonged to the grandfather of one of the members, “a voodoo travelling salesman who visited the four corners of the earth”, provided the bass drum. The organic groove, steeped in sub bass and polyrhythms became the bedrock for the voices of the electro-soul preachers, accompanied by a small vintage Korg keyboard. A minimalistic, and truly powerful setup.

“The trance in our music is supplied by repetitive energy! It comes straight from the heart, and this is why our message carries Nature within it, as we honour this Nature in all that we do”, explains Lady Apoc. Dive into their latest album, Sé Nam, for a taste of their infectious sound – this November, you can come back for more.  

Double Ticket: Nana Benz du Togo + Frente Cumbiero

On the same evening that Renata Flores performs, the cumbia group Frente Cumbiero will also be playing at Nasjonal Jazzscene. It is possible to purchase a double ticket for both concerts at a reduced price.