Tabanka Djaz

Formed around musicians from Guinea-Bissau living in Lusophone contexts, Tabanka Djaz developed from the 1990s a repertoire that blends gumbé, afro-zouk, coladeira and African pop, creating links between Bissau, Lisbon and the diasporas. The group relies on vocals in Creole and Portuguese, tight harmonies and danceable grooves, with lyrics that address daily life, community bonds and social issues. The release of the album Sperança in 1996 was a major milestone, giving new visibility to Guinea-Bissau’s music within the Afro-Lusophone space and beyond. Since then Tabanka Djaz has played numerous concerts and tours across West Africa and Europe, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries, adapting its repertoire to both festival stages and more intimate venues. In 2026 the group brings Sperança back to the forefront to celebrate the thirty-year anniversary of the recording, while continuing to reinterpret its catalogue and to transmit a Guinea-Bissau sound rooted in dance and cultural exchange.