Kananayé

Kananayé is an artistic collaboration between Burkina Faso and France that weaves narrative songs in French, Jula, More, and English, merging West African musical heritage, blues, improvisation, poetry and organic trance-driven grooves. In the streets of Burkina Faso, you often hear "ka nana ye", meaning "it's not easy", but with the idea that "it will be alright". The project Kananayé embodies this resilience with its multiculturalism, conscious lyrics, and modernity while staying true to its heritage. This multilingual opus navigates between enchanting ballads and vibrant rhythms, expressing the joy of creating together despite challenges. It brings together a stellar lineup of musicians: vocalist-flutist Clotilde Rullaud Nacoulma, twice named among France’s top three voices by JazzNews and JazzMagazine (2022 & 2023); guitarist Abdoulaye “Debademba” Traore (Fatoumata Diawara, Le Bal de l’Afrique Enchantée); Seydou “Kanazoé” Diabate—of Kanazoé Orkestra and Mamadou Diabaté fame—on balafon and vocals; Boubacar Djiga on the kunde (traditional bass) and Achille Nacoulma behind drums and percussion. Their album of the same name, Kananayé (Tzig’Art / Socadisc / Proper Music), was recorded between Brussels and Bobo-Dioulasso, mixed and mastered in New York, and launched with a sold-out show at New Morning (Paris) last December. Highlights include a European debut at Africolor in December 2023 and a successful tour across anglophone Africa in March 2025. It has received strong international attention, including reviews in Songlines “formidable vocals on their trance-like grooves” and on Jazz FM (UK), RFI and in Le Monde Afrique (FR). "“The Burkinabè contingent create a pleasing soundbed that draws on a variety of West African styles, from Mandé tradition to Saharan blues, over which Rullaud delivers her lyrics. On the trance-like Garibou and a striking cover of Nina Simone’s Sea Lion Woman, her singing is formidable.” " - Songlines / Nigel Williamson (UK)