Kananayé

Kananayé is a transcultural collaboration between Paris and Bobo-Dioulasso, crafting contemporary narrative songs at the crossroads of blues, poetry, West African musical heritage and traditional trance. Driven by a strong collective energy and a deep sense of musical interplay, the group develops a distinctive sound, blending polyrhythms, improvisation, and organic power. Politis describes the band as offering “a hybrid, festive and socially engaged music,” while IHH Magazine places it “in the lineage of the great African bands that set dance floors alight in the last century.” “Kananayé,” as they say in Bobo: it’s not easy, but it’s gonna be alright.

Born in the warmth of Bobo-Dioulasso, this repertoire was first presented in Europe at the Africolor festival in December 2023. Recorded between Brussels and Bobo-Dioulasso, and mixed and mastered in New York, the album was released at the end of 2024 (Tzig’Art / Socadisc / Proper Music), followed by a launch concert at the New Morning (Paris), a notable tour across English-speaking African countries, and performances on several international stages and networks.

Since then, the project has gained growing international recognition. The song Cimetre was notably selected as a Semi-Finalist at the International Songwriting Competition and received distinctions at the Global Music Awards (USA), while the album was in consideration for a nomination at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The international press has praised the project, with glowing reviews in Le Temps (CH) “Editor’s pick,” Republik Kalakuta / Couleur 3 – RTS (CH), Songlines (UK) , Le Monde Afrique (FR) “Music Selection,” RFI (FR) “Music Choice,” Citizen Jazz (FR) “SELECTED!”, along with regular appearances in global world music charts.

Beyond the stage, the project also unfolds on screen, with music films selected and awarded at prestigious international festivals such as Prague Film Awards (PL), Aesthetica Film Festival (UK), Dance On Camera NYC, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Festival national du film d’animation de Rennes (FR), Fantoche International Animation Film Festival (CH), and Melbourne Short Film Festival (AU).

• 06.10 — London • PizzaExpress Live
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• 08.10 — Luton • The Bear Club
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• 09.10 — Bristol • Sofar Sounds
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• 10.10 — Ashburton • Ashburton Arts Centre
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