Florence Adooni is an artist whose catchy, historic and contemporary dance music makes it hard to stand still. The Ghanaian singer is one of the cultivators of the Frafra gospel that flourished in her homeland, created to be sung at crowded Sunday services and supported by active clapping. “Queen of Frafra Gospel” Florence Adoon’s captivating expressive style merges with another proud and strong Ghanaian musical tradition: melodically and rhythmically pulsating highlife, in which the local traditions of Ghana take fire from the ideas of pop, rock and jazz, incorporating bright brass instruments.
Ando Kiviberg, head of the Viljandi traditional music festival, attended Florence Adoon’s concert in October this year at Womex, which is the most important festival presenting traditional and world music genres in the world. “Florence Adooni performed with her band on one of the main stages and this performance immediately captivated the audience. Their crazy energy, rhythmic dance performance and music strongly built on their tradition had a very captivating effect and put the listeners in a good mood. The performances of the songs were characterized by spontaneous dance numbers and an exceptionally charming on-stage interaction between the musicians, which impressed even a well-regarded and experienced organizer like me. I am sincerely happy that they will come in Viljandi at the end of July 2024,” Kiviberg said.
However, another artist who has confirmed his performance will take you on a captivating audio journey into the heart of Sami culture.
Gabba is a band that combines tradition and modernity, inviting listeners to discover the richness and diversity of Sami culture. Their music transports you to an unforgettable Sami cultural heritage, giving pride of place to the unique Joiu Sami. Together with musicians from Southern Norway, joiu master John André Eira, from the far north of Maze (Masi), Guovdageaidnu municipality (Kautokeino), Finnmark county, brings his ancestral heritage and original compositions into the band’s captivating music.
In 2023, the band won the Norwegian Grammy, Spellemannprisen, for their debut album “Gabba”.
Tarmo Noormaa, festival program manager, saw the band perform in the stands at the Folkelarm festival in Norway in November. “I was fascinated by John André Eira’s great respect for the culture of his ancestors, which was expressed in very convincing singing and sharp intertexts. I was also struck by the sonic language of the accompanying band, which could be described as Sami tundra blues. I know our audience will welcome them and will find many friends here to make music with in the future,” confirmed Noormaa.
25-28 The XXXI Viljandi Traditional Music Festival “Patterns and Traces”, which runs until July 2024, examines the unique sound patterns of traditional music, which help to strengthen and recognize the cultural diversity of different peoples.
2023-12-11 12:07:00
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