Cultural exchange: The drum sounds from Benin conquer Bayreuth!

Cultural exchange: The drum sounds from Benin conquer Bayreuth!

13 young people from Benin were recently able to experience a special opportunity in Bayreuth. Mayor Thomas Ebersberger welcomed the group, consisting of eight girls and five boys as well as two carers, to the New Town Hall on July 21st. This visit is part of the Petit' Arts de Benin project, which promotes children's cultural skills through music and dance. The invitation came from Ibukun Koussemou, the city's integration officer, who was himself born and raised in Benin.

The project, which includes 130 children and young people between the ages of 8 and 21, offers them the opportunity to learn drumming and live out their artistic talents. The project receives support from the Asyl Pegnitz support group, the Adalbert Raps Foundation from Kulmbach, the Sparkasse Bayreuth and the Caritas Association Bayreuth. These ensure that these children's cultural education is secured in the long term and that they can integrate well into their new environment.

Drum workshops and intercultural exchange

During their stay, the young Benin residents spend time with their peers at the Markgräfin Wilhelmine Gymnasium Bayreuth, the Realschule I and the Pegnitz Gymnasium. This mainly happens in the context of music and French lessons, where intercultural exchange is the focus. On July 23rd at 5 p.m., those interested can look forward to a special drum workshop in the KOMM municipal youth center in Bayreuth.

The Dance and Percussion Studio offered in Benin under the direction of Michel Noudogbessi and his team of highly motivated artists is a center of cultural identity. Since its founding in July 2018, the Association des leaders solidaires de Mèdédjonou in Adjarra has been promoting the region as a city of drums. Over the years, the studio has participated in numerous significant cultural events, attracting international audiences.

The cultural diversity of Benin

Benin's diversity is reflected in the country's music, dance and cultural traditions. It is considered the cradle of Vodoun, a religion that has deep roots in cultural heritage. With around 60 different ethnic groups, including the largest groups such as Fon, Adja, Yorouba and Bariba, the cultural landscape is rich and colorful. The music and dance scene reflects this diversity and is an essential part of the everyday life of the people of Benin.

But social challenges are also inevitable: traditional role distributions and a high illiteracy rate among women often make everyday life difficult. Funding projects like Petit' Arts is therefore not only a step towards cultural education, but also a contribution to social justice and equality.

Thanks to the commitment of various organizations and the efforts of young people and their carers, visitors to Bayreuth can now experience part of this rich culture. It will be exciting to see how the relationships between cultures continue to develop and what the coming days have in store for the participants.