Gbèzé

Tokponho Gbèfognon Modeste was born in Aklampa Allawénonsa, in the commune of Glazoué, Benin, on February 21, 1979. Put to work at an early age to meet the family's economic needs, in 1989 he joined his brother Justin's group, which promotes traditional Tchingounmè musical culture. Gbèzé began dancing and playing percussion until 1996, when his brother died tragically and he took over as leader of the group. In 1997, he successfully led his first concert in his native village, before releasing his first cassette album, E yôlômi, in 1998. After a number of recordings, including E non wa yi é (1999), Souhè (2001) and Troukpinka (2003), Gbèzé was awarded the Coupe Nationale du Vainqueur des Artistes du Bénin (CONAVAB) in 2008. A true exponent of Tchingounmè music, he has released some thirty albums and over the years has become a figure of Beninese cultural tradition, through his performances and titles such as "Ayato Agbede" and "Ainon Tche".

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