With »The Man Who Sings All African Languages«, the Parisian label Nanga Boko Records presents its fourth release – a comprehensive compilation documenting the musical work of Beninese artist Gnonnas Pedro from 1967 to 1985. As a singer, composer and bandleader, Pedro had a lasting influence on the West African musical landscape – with formations such as Les Dadjes, Los Panchos and Africando.
His music is characterized by its multilingualism: Pedro sings in French, English, Spanish and various local idioms. This linguistic diversity gives his songs cultural depth and emphasizes his role as a mediator between different musical worlds.
The 21 tracks on the compilation cover a wide stylistic spectrum – from Afrobeat, Salsa, Funk, Soul and Jerk to traditional folk influences from Benin. Pedro shows himself to be a stylistically open artist with a flair for cross-genre connections. The mostly danceable arrangements combine complex rhythms with catchy melodies and multifaceted vocals. Sometimes they are reminiscent of James Brown, sometimes of the yearning of the Buena Vista Social Club.
This compilation emphasizes Pedro’s importance as a cultural bridge between West African roots and Latin American influences – and as a pioneer of music that transcends borders and develops an independent, transcontinental sound.
