Pépit’Arts percussion group - Benin

Pépit'Arts is a percussion ensemble known for its performances, as well as its percussion training. The ensemble was founded in June 2018 in the municipality of Adjarra, in south-east Benin. This city is called the 'City of Drums' because of its strong community of drummers.

Pépit'Arts aims to transmit the great richness and diversity of the rhythms and sounds of vodun from Benin to a younger generation. Pépit'Arts consists of young people aged 5 to 21, all schoolchildren and students. A specialised artistic school consisting of two percussion classes is open year-round and currently has 164 enrolled students. Weekly percussion classes are given to the children where practical but also theoretical knowledge is taught. The ensemble stands out for its gender mix; the band gives girls the lead roles around the drums, something that used to be taboo.

A percussion band consisting of 50 members, selected from the students of the two percussion classes represent Pépit'Arts at festivals and other representations on a national and international level. In Hertme, 12 percussionists will be heard and seen. They will open the 35th festival on Saturday on the main stage and will perform on the market later in the afternoon. They will also give workshops to children from the audience.