The influence of African music has deeply shaped Anglo-Saxon and North American cultures, and you might be surprised to hear elements in their sound that feel familiar from modern rock and indie. Bands like Arcade Fire, Franz Ferdinand, and Vampire Weekend carry these African influences in their DNA. Since the late 1990s, the successful development of Mali has inspired other African nations to improve and share their cultural heritage beyond their borders. Now, the Republic of Benin is gaining attention thanks to projects like BIM, which, in collaboration with Radio France and broadcasting unions, celebrates the musical wealth of the Kingdom of Dahomey both in France and worldwide.
After forming, this large collective began performing throughout France. Within just a couple of years, they embarked on their first international tour, culminating in a performance at Carnegie Hall in 2019. BIM delicately blends the legacy of Benin, which spans from traditional Evangelical churches and voodoo religion—the birthplace of the country—to the modern club scene of Cotonou. They share this rich cultural tapestry through their music, which is best experienced live, as well as through exhibitions, workshops, and a documentary. If you want to prepare yourself for an unforgettable BIM performance, check out the 50-minute documentary produced by TV5MONDE.