Welcome to Min-On’s Music Journey! Today, the Min-On Concert Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Togo in Japan are pleased to welcome you to the Republic of Togo in West Africa.
Togo is a long, narrow country with five regions stretching from north to south. Contrast in climate and landscape between north and south is a defining feature of the country. The southern region facing the Gulf of Guinea has a tropical rainforest climate, while the north is home to a savannah.
| Togo Travel Guide
• Pick up folk crafts at the Lomé Grand Market • Revel in the traditional Evala Festival in Kara • Experience Togo’s traditional musical instruments |
Home to beautiful beaches and the capital Lomé
Togo’s southern coastal region is home to Lomé, Togo’s largest city. Lomé has long developed as an export port for coffee beans, palm nuts, and other goods. While modern hotels, restaurants, and commercial/cultural facilities line the city, traditional-style buildings also coexist.
Lomé Cathedral and Lomé Grand Market
Lomé’s highlights include the Lomé Cathedral, built in 1901 during the German colonial era. Its Neo-Gothic sculptures and stained-glass windows showcase its high architectural value.
Nearby stands the Grand Market, one of West Africa’s largest, where all daily necessities are available alongside artisan crafts and traditional clothing.
Distinctive cities across the country
The Plateau Region, with a population of about 1.64 million, is rich in natural beauty and home to Mount Agou, the country’s highest peak. The region also includes cities like Atakpamé, with around 250,000 residents, and Kpalimé, with about 150,000. Kpalimé is also a center for artisan crafts and artists, including many woodcarvers, potters, weavers and more.
Togolese culinary culture
Togo’s culinary culture shares commonalities with its West African neighbors, including diverse staples like fried plantains, cassava and fufu (a paste made from ground grains). They are often served with a variety of sauces, with popular options including Azindessi (a peanut-based sauce) and spicy tomato-based sauces.
| Togo’s beer at the peak of global quality
As a former German colony, Togo has a thriving beer production industry. Togo produces Guinness beer under license and the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout brewed in Togo was selected as the world’s best Guinness in 2017. Togo beer is known for its strong bitterness and richness, making it a perfect match for the spicy flavors of Togolese cuisine. |
Central region blessed with natural beauty
Over 20% of Togo’s central region is designated as protected areas and conservation forests. This region includes the vast Fazao-Malfakassa National Park spanning approximately 1,920 km².
This precious natural reserve is home to buffalo, elephants and elands, with eco-guards working to protect the environment and maintain security.
Sokodé is Togo’s fourth-largest city with a population exceeding 100,000. It’s a major Islamic center and the capital of the central region, also renowned for its textiles. These fabrics are used for tunics and for the boubou, a traditional wide-sleeved robe often adorned with unique embroidery worn by local ethnic groups during festivals.
Kara region: Home to Togo’s third-largest city
Kara, the capital of the Kara region, is Togo’s second-largest city and hub of the north. With ample lodging and dining options, alongside natural attractions and World Heritage sites nearby, it’s an ideal base for exploring Togo’s north.
Traditional event: Evala
Togo is home to many different festivals, but the most famous is the Evala Festival held in Kara. This rite of passage for local men involves a week-long series of contests where they compete in strength and combat. Meanwhile, women participate in a parade called Akpéma as their coming-of-age ceremony. During this period, the city comes alive with performances including ethnic dances, plays and concerts.
World Heritage Site: Koutammakou, home of the Batammariba
This traditional settlement is inhabited by the indigenous Batammariba people, characterized by its distinctive landscape of tower-like dwellings built from mud, known as Takienta. Recognized for its unique landscape, distinct from other cultural spheres, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Northern Togo: Home to the savannah
Northern Togo includes a savannah along the border with Burkina Faso, a region of vast, flat land. This area is also home to many unique natural attractions, including the Namoundjoga cave paintings and the Nok Caves, which were once used as a fortress.
Togo’s musical culture
In Togo, where diverse ethnic groups and cultures coexist, a wide range of musical genres are enjoyed by many. The country is characterized by the acceptance of diverse music, from the latest dance music to hip-hop, salsa, zouk, Caribbean reggae and more.
| Editorial Pick: King Mensah
King Mensah is a vocalist and artist often called “The Golden Voice of Togo.” Based in Lomé, he performs globally with a unique style blending contemporary music and traditional Togolese sounds, winning numerous music awards including recognition from UNESCO. Alongside his music career, he actively engages in charitable work, such as establishing orphanages and support foundations. |
KING MENSAH – Ela Va Eme [Official Clip]
Togo is also home to many traditional instruments, with a focus on percussion. At the Togo Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, visitors could experience traditional instruments such as the large drum Assivui, the side-held drum Adondo and the maraca-like Akaya.
In closing, please enjoy some performances by musicians recommended by the Embassy of the Republic of Togo in Japan.
- Denyigban – Bella Bellow
- ZIGLIPATA – TOOFAN
https://youtu.be/rq7jqy912e4?si=C8nnxk8pPG7lAFDm
- Do Re Mi – Santrinos Raphael Ft. Lil Jay Bingerack
What did you think of your music journey to Togo? There are still many more places to go! Please look forward to our next destination.
Cooperation and photos provided by: Embassy of the Republic of Togo in Japan
Min-On Concert Association
–Music Binds Our Hearts–
