Gbessi Zolawadji

Born in 1952 in Djégbadji, on Benin's southern coast, Albert Bessanvi Koffi grew up with parents who were both singers. Immersed in Xwla culture, he was gradually introduced to Agbadja, a traditional dance of southern Benin. In 1976, he embarked on an artistic career under the name of Gbessi Zolawadji. Quickly gaining a reputation for his interpretations of traditional music, he innovated the rhythm intrinsic to Agbadja and toba, and gradually became a leading exponent. In demand, Gbessi Zolawadji travels throughout Africa to promote his culture and establishes himself as a leading figure in traditional Beninese music. His song "Mi dou agbé" won a Kora Award for Best Traditional Artist in Africa in 2001 , and he is helping to raise international awareness of Benin's cultural heritage. He was interviewed for the RFI documentary Sonorama : toutes les musiques du sud du Bénin in 2005, and some of his songs were released in 2020 on the album Zik cultures.

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