Benin’s era-defining musician dies aged 39

Tributes have been paid to Willy Mignon, an era-defining Beninese musician who died at the age of 39.

The artist passed away hours after having a seizure, his sister Christel told the BBC, adding that she was not clear on the exact cause of death.

Mignon’s career took off in 2006 with Minédji, a hit song that remains beloved in Benin almost 20 years later.

The West African country’s ministry of culture remembered Mignon as “an emblematic figure of the first generation of urban artists of the 2000s.”

“His songs, with their swaying rhythms and unique energy, marked an entire era and inspired many other talents,” a statement from the ministry said.

Mignon died on Tuesday, after being admitted to hospital in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou.

The father-of-five had moved to neighbouring Burkina Faso two years ago, for professional reasons.

After news of Mignon’s death broke, his manager of nine years, Aziz Ademorou, described the musician as “a fighter who always believed in himself”.

Mignon had demonstrated this confidence in an interview with Benin’s Frissons Radio.

“I started out with my first single Mindédji, which was both a trial and a master-stroke… the public loved it,” he said.

Mignon was also well known for creating a rhythm and dance style named Noudjihou. Noudjihou was inspired by Benin highlife music.

Mignon’s music had made an impression in his new home, Burkina Faso, too.

In January last year he produced Hymnes Aux Étalons, an African Cup of Nations anthem for Burkina Faso’s national team.

ADVERTISEMENT