Musical Heritage: Benin to Create a Unique Sonic Identity

Benin’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Yassine Latoundji, met arranger and beatmaker Fifi Fender, whose legal name is Fiacre Ahidomèhou, in Cotonou on October 13 to lay the groundwork for a distinct national musical signature. The project aims to raise the international profile of Beninese music by drawing on an inventory of traditional rhythms, songs, music and dances from all twelve departments. Latoundji said practical steps would begin soon, involving cultural-sector stakeholders and followed by a broad campaign to promote the sonic identity.