Three neo-fanfares from Brussels and Charleroi, a percussion group from Leuven and a philharmonic orchestra from Jabbeke are immersing themselves in the musical traditions of West Africa. Their inspiration comes from the artistic universe of Esinam Dogbatse and Ejaspapa Gnonlonfoun. On 22 and 23 June, you can celebrate with them in Brussels and Bruges!

 

Toope Ajoyo is an original fusion of West Flemish and West African Yorùbá, and means ‘celebrating together’ across borders and cultural differences. With this in mind, Ejaspapa Gnonlonfoun will be working with music groups from Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia over the coming months:

 

▪️ Koninklijke Harmonie Sint-Cecilia (Jabbeke)

 

▪️ DROM (Leuven)

 

▪️ GanGan The New Style (Brussels)

 

▪️ AnderBrass (Anderlecht)

 

▪️ Urbanda (Charleroi)

 

They are venturing into an entirely new repertoire: five compositions inspired by the artistic universe of Esinam Dogbatse and Ejaspapa, with refreshing Afropean sounds and typical West African polyrhythms. The arrangements for wind instruments are by Adrien Lambinet.

 

On June 22 and 23, the various musical groups will present the results at performances in Brussels and Bruges. They will be accompanied by an open dance collective led by Ilaria Orlandini, in which you can take part during free workshops at centre culturel Bruegel as from Monday 20 May.

 

22 June – Toope Ajoyo @ Fête de la Musique dans les Marolles

Several concerts in the streets and squares throughout the neighbourhood + closing concert @ Parc des Brigittines.

 

23 June – Toope Ajoyo + ReBirth of Hope @ Concertgebouw Bruges

Several concerts throughout the historic centre + closing concert @ ‘t Zand. ESINAM & band will then present their carte blanche ReBirth of Hope at the Concertgebouw in Bruges.