Gangbe Brass Band: "Partager notre culture avec les autres peuples du monde." Conversations avec Athanase Dehoumon, Samuel Gnonlonfoun, and James Vodounon, responsables du groupe musical

Abstract

Drawing its inspiration from the musical heritage of Benin, GangbBrass Band explores the rich religious culture and ancient songs of their country and combine them with jazz melodies to produce an innovative contemporary genre. The bands songs, which deal with everyday life in Benin, are primarily sung in indigenous languages such as Fon, Gun, and Yoruba, as well as in French. Since its founding in 1994, the group has promoted the originality of African music around the world, as demonstrated by their acclaimed performances in England, Italy, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, La Reunion, and the US. In this interview held in the studio of the Educational Technology Center before the bands performance at Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA, on October 25, 2005, the band leaders, Athanase Dehoumon, Samuel Gnonlonfoun, and James Vodounon, tell the bands story and reflect upon their journey, the sources of their musical inspiration and influences, the meaning of their brassy music, as well as the condition of musicians in Benin.