Bénin International Musical (BIM)
A unique band giving rock and rap back their voodoo origins. Benin International Musical tells the story of the African continent and shines a light on a positive vodoun culture, turned towards the earth and humankind: every show is a contemporary ceremony.
Biography
Bénin International Musical (BIM) BIM (Benin International Musical) is a collective of Beninese artists who tell the story of the African continent and their own history, while shining a light on vodoun culture which, beyond preconceptions, advocates a positive attitude turned towards the earth and humankind. Created in 2017 on the initiative of Jérôme Ettinger and Hervé Riesen, the band reclaimed vodoun rhythms and traditional Beninese songs through rock, rap, trip-hop and electronic tones: every performance is a contemporary ceremony, a rare experience.
The rise was meteoric: an international tour of over 70 shows in more than 20 countries in just two years (Europe, Africa, the United States, Canada), a sold-out performance at New York's Performing Arts Center in 2018, then the legendary Carnegie Hall in 2019 — also sold out — at the invitation of Angélique Kidjo. Seven-time Grammy-winning American producer Commissioner Gordon signed the recording of the single Abobo, made between Brooklyn and Cotonou.
After a debut album that took the band around the world and a hundred shows in four years, BIM returned in 2024 with Positive Vodoun: powerful rock tracks, sharp rap flows, deep polyphonies and vodoun rhythms form a coherent panorama of today's Beninese music. FIP, Rolling Stone, Les Échos and France Inter have all praised this 'maelstrom of vodoun-rock and hip hop energy'.
On video — official clips and live performances
Live at WOMEX 24 · Official video
Destiny · Live at Afrika Festival Hertme 2025
Live session · RFI Musique
Les Concerts Volants · ARTE Concert
Milestones
Created in 2017, BIM played over 70 shows in more than 20 countries within two years, sold out New York's Performing Arts Center (2018) and then Carnegie Hall (2019) at Angélique Kidjo's invitation, recorded the Abobo single with producer Commissioner Gordon and released the Positive Vodoun album in 2024, across a hundred concerts in four years.
Show formats
- Live concert
- Contemporary vodoun ceremony
Pro Kit & contact
Booking: Jaspir Prod, production and booking agency — artist page and enquiries via prod.jaspir.com.