Zangbeto is a pack of young wolves who get everyone dancing with their infectious fusion of modern jazz and West African rhythms. On 12 September in GROUNDS, they are going to take us on a vibrant and authentic journey to the musical heart of Togo.

Zangbeto was formed in 2021 after three young Togolese musicians met during a musical residency with Peter Solo, the renowned frontman of Vaudou Game. Afterwards, Joachim Amouzou (piano), Honoré Dafo (bass) and Henoch Fafadji (drums) soon got the chance to join the prestigious JazzUp training programme in Vienna. During their travels around Europe, they also met French trumpeter Félicien Bouchot and guitarist Romain Baret and the band evolved into a quintet.

They drew inspiration for the group name from Benin culture, where Zangbeto are spiritual creatures who guard the safety of the town during the night by chasing away evil spirits. That somewhat dark and mysterious character can also be heard on their debut album Ezo, which embodies the fire spirit from Togolese voodoo culture. And now, with their energetic mix of jazz and traditional Togolese rhythms and songs, they will also honour their musical gods at GROUNDS.