When the beat calls, the crowd answers. “A ceremonial ode to vodún culture,” (FIP, 2024), BIM’s music is a striking show of Dahomey polyrhythms, Sakpata to Egungun, Afro-Funk pop rock and hip-hop brought back to its roots. With powerful harmonies, ritual percussion, edgy guitar riffs, and dynamic flow, the collective promotes, without embellishment or folkorism, a modern and festive vision of Beninese culture. Tailored for the live stage, BIM has been celebrated all the way to Carnegie Hall, where they performed at the invitation of Angélique Kidjo. For the Festival’s 40th anniversary, they are planning a special concert that will include covers of classic African hits from the 1970s to today.
