In Chad, artist Soléa Damas strengthens the connection between traditional instruments and modern music by blending harp, zither, and balafon into her compositions.
Originally from the southern part of the country, Soléa Damas is a musician, sculptor, harpist, and zither player. Since her debut album in 2018, her work—praised for its originality—has inspired many young artists seeking to follow in her footsteps.
These young people train in playing traditional instruments and craft harps, zithers, and balafons themselves, notably at the cultural and artistic center “Kaya Kendé” (The Harp Experts), where the transmission of this expertise continues actively.
This movement contributes to the promotion of Chadian musical heritage in a contemporary context, according to correspondent Olivier Monodji for RFI.
