Minyo Crusaders

Over four weekends, the stage will pulse with music from across the globe: from the raw energy of Mexican Cumbia-punk to the hypnotic groove of Kenyan Dodo Blues, from the electrifying syncopations of Congolese Soukous to the powerful messages of Afro-futuristic big bands. Caribbean-infused Japanese folk, soulful jazz, hip hop, and the joy and resilience of Frafra-gospel round off  this celebration of sound— borderless, multi-perspective, and irresistably danceable!

Minyo Crusaders (Japan)

Minyo Crusaders rework traditional Japanese folk songs (min'yō) with Latin, African and Caribbean rhythms to create some of the most infectious music between South America and Japan.

The punchy and inventive arrangements of this ten-piece big band breathe new life into these traditional working-class folk songs. “For Japanese people, min’yō is both the closest, and most distant folk music” explains bandleader Katsumi Tanaka: “We may not feel it in our daily, urban lives, yet the melodies, the style of singing and the rhythm of the taiko drums are engrained in our DNA”.

- free admission, no ticket required
- Ground Floor, Schlüter Courtyard
- Belongs to: DURCHLÜFTEN – 2025