The thirtieth anniversary of the death of Yédénou Adjahoui, king of the “Massè-Gohoun” from Avrankou, has shone a spotlight on the global resonance of his music.
The celebration demonstrated that the rhythm, once thought to be confined to Benin, has traveled far beyond its borders, reaching audiences as distant as Japan.
At the heart of the event was the performance by a Japanese TikTok influencer known as “Chado.”
His rendition of Adjahoui’s work captivated attendees, revealing both his mastery of the songs and the universal appeal of “Massè-Gohoun.”
Despite his voice and skin tone indicating his Japanese heritage, Chado delivered the traditional rhythms with authenticity and precision, leaving the audience in awe.
“The mastery and easy knowledge of the songs of the late Yédénou Adjahoui is proof of this,” the organisers noted, highlighting the performer’s deep understanding of the cultural material.
The crowd, which included many visitors who had travelled to witness the celebration, experienced a unique blend of Beninese tradition infused with a Japanese interpretation, underlining the power of intercultural exchange.
The event, hosted by the PYA association on the sacred land of the “Djaka,” offered Chado a platform to reinterpret the “Massè-Gohoun” in his own style—a gesture that earned widespread appreciation. This celebration reaffirmed the late Adjahoui’s legacy not only as a remarkable artist but also as a philosopher whose compositions continue to influence generations.
The Japanese cultural ambassador, whose performance was met with resounding applause, emphasised that Adjahoui’s influence extends beyond Benin. “Yédénou Adjahoui is not only a reference for them [Benin] but also for Japan, which has drawn on his artistic productions to chart a path for itself, that of development by relying on its own resources,” the organisers highlighted.
The thirtieth anniversary thus served not only as a commemoration of Adjahoui’s life and work but also as a testament to the transcultural power of music, bridging continents and generations through rhythm and artistry.
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