Live music in Chad

This form of music distribution and consumption has been successful and continues to be the pride of musicians in Africa and other parts of the world even as the diversification of music consumption and access to music via the Internet have impacted on it.

Context

Live music is linked to the continent’s history. In Chad, traditional music from the region of Sarh, in the southern part of the country was first recorded during the colonial period. Orchestras and bands emerged in the major cities of Chad during the colonial era with the use of so-called ‘modern’ or ‘western’ instruments. Traditional and popular music are the preferred genres of the predominantly rural Chadian population, and are the core of live performances.

Bands

The modern music scene developed with the National Orchestra, National Ballet and National Theatre, following the period of independence of African countries. In Chad, the bands and orchestras that marked the history of live music are Chari Jazz, Africa Mélodie, Abakar Chikito, Moussa Chauffeur and Mama Eldjima, among others. The tradition of performing live was adopted by most of the post-independence bands and musicians like Challal International, Clément Masdongar and Tibesti. Despite the popularity of instrumental music and beats on CDs for playback and semi-live purposes in the 1990s, live performances still retained its place in this new era.

Live music became popular in Chad from the early 2000s with the emergence of Tibesti, the band Inch'Allah, the rap bands Komplyss, Banlyeuzars, Otentik, H’sao, as well as musicians of the diaspora such as Célestin Mawndoé, Franck Degospa from Rapaces, Doro Minanta, Clément Masdongar, and the group Yalade. One band that set itself apart is H'Sao, which has been able to strengthen its presence on the local and world stage through their style and live performances.

Some Chadian artists went solo after their bands broke up and are still performing live. For example, Abdoulaye Ndergue and Aimé Palio from the band Tibesti, Célestin Mawndoé from Yeleen, Franck Degospa from the band Rapaces and Djim Radé Kamndoh (Tôh-nal). Today, live music continues to attract the populace.

Festivals

Festivals such as N'DJamvi, N'djam s’enflamme en Slam, N'djam Hip-Hop and Neige au Sahel are platforms promoting live music in Chad. With the recent comeback of the band Tibesti, it is worth saying that live music is still alive.

• Laltchad Press
• Journal du Tchad
• Afrik.com
• Africultures.com