Agenda

Ashburton Arts Centre is in a lovely 1835 Grade 2-listed old church, with fabulous acoustics for live music.

Kananayé is an artistic collaboration between Burkina Faso and France that weaves narrative songs in French, Jula, More, and English, blending the musical heritage of West Africa, blues, improvisation, poetry and organic trance.

In the streets of Burkina Faso, you often hear “ka nana ye”, meaning “it’s not easy”, but with the idea that “it will be alright”. The project Kananayé embodies this resilience with its multiculturalism, conscious lyrics, and modernity while staying true to its heritage. This multilingual opus navigates between enchanting ballads and vibrant rhythms, expressing the joy of creating together despite challenges.

It brings together a stellar lineup of musicians: vocalist-flutist Clotilde Rullaud Nacoulma, twice named among France’s top three voices by JazzNews and JazzMagazine (2022 & 2023); guitarist Abdoulaye “Debademba” Traore (Fatoumata Diawara, Le Bal de l’Afrique Enchantée); Seydou “Kanazoé” Diabate—of Kanazoé Orkestra and Mamadou Diabaté fame—on balafon and vocals; Boubacar Djiga on the kunde (traditional bass) and Achille Nacoulma behind drums and percussion.