Benin International Musical is a collective of musicians and vocalists that wants to share the rich – but relatively unknown – artistic heritage of their homeland with the rest of the world. In doing so, the seven-piece band combines modern genres such as hip-hop, rock, electro and jazz with traditional rhythms and chants from Benin’s indigenous vodoun culture. Over the years, Benin International Musical (BIM) has spread the music and culture of the West African country across the globe with its catchy shows, including a sold-out performance at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall in 2019. BIM released its second album last year, Positive Vodoun (2024). The group’s musical mission also paves the way for other artists from their homeland, who are being trained in workshops and educational programs so they too can contribute to the artistic maturity and global appeal of Benin’s vibrant music scene.
