Gnantaga ([0])

GNANTAGA is a traditional-modern musical group that has existed since 2010 in Burkina Faso. It is today led by two musicians and animators: Yacouba Drabo and Sami Kimpe. Both live and work in Ouagadougou but you may have already crossed paths with them on the stage of the Chiroux in Liège… Indeed, they are the musicians who accompany the play Pinocchio le Kikirga, a co-production of the Théâtre Soleil de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and the Théâtre des 4 Mains, which we presented in our hall a few years ago. In Gnantaga's repertoire, tradition rubs shoulders with modernity. The texts are committed and militant: for the respect of women's rights, for dignity, for solidarity. They affirm their roots and rise up against what they cannot tolerate. Gnantaga, with its language of the sidewalks of Bobo Dioulasso, goes straight to the point: the message is simple and clear, it is a cry from the heart to fight against all forms of obscurantism and "move forward together." Musically, their multiple influences give an explosive cocktail, the different languages mingle. The artists reclaim traditional rhythms by deconstructing them. They constantly pursue their research. The magical sounds of the n'goni and balafons were familiar to us, but Gnantaga knew how to capture their soul. Refusing to stick to pure tradition, they choose to mix styles: the rhythms diversify, from the Caribbean sway of "Baro" to the elegance of Mandingo arpeggios on "Setigui". Like every year, we will collaborate in the organization of the Fête de la Musique in Liège, from June 17 to 20, 2026, with a diversified program in the hall and on the public square, accessible to everyone for free.