Wagogo Music Project

In 2022, we performed the Ng’oma Wagogo Opera in Tanzania in collaboration with the Wagogo Music Art Group, the talented singer Catherine Mushi and German classical musicians. The focus of this unique opera was the controversial topic of female genital mutilation, which we wanted to draw attention to. The musical composition for the classical part was created by the Swedish composer Henrik Ajax, while the Wagogo Music Art Group composed the traditional Wagogo music. These two elements were merged to create a new work.

The premiere of the opera took place in Chamwino in October 2022, followed by further performances in Arusha, Handeni and at the renowned East Africa Festival in Bagamoyo. The group Wagogo Music Art had previously invited us to develop a music theatre together with them that deals with a topic close to their hearts: the circumcision of women in Tanzania, especially in their own tribe of Wagogo. With their music, these young artists are fighting against this serious human rights violation, which is still widespread. Many young girls are circumcised against their will and bear the consequences of this serious bodily harm for the rest of their lives.

The Wagogo Opera integrates elements of Western classical music as well as traditional Wagogo music (Ng’oma). Our aim is to bring about change through music. Art can open up new horizons and contribute to a more humane life free of violence. We had the opportunity to see the Wagogo group perform their unique music live in summer 2019 and were impressed by their professionalism and courage in tackling this important issue.