I’m curious how many people here have heard of the Benin Kingdom 👑

I’d love to hear what you know about it, history, culture, anything at all. Let’s share knowledge

#BeninKingdom #History #Africa #Culture #Learning #KnowledgeSharing

@MagnusIdode Had a girldfriend from Benin City... a few years ago...
Read some about the Benin Kingdom, the bronzes, etc.
Oh and know a thing or two about Edo Funk... that you can probably find on my other account @blogamf ...
@blogamf
@cybeardjm
I'm glad to hear you know a bit about Benin.
Benin history is fascinating if you know.
@MagnusIdode @cybeardjm Living in Benin R (ex Danhomey), the story of kingdoms across the whole region is extremely interesting, even if mostly unknown.
I'm not a history buff in general, but I like to understand things a little...
@blogamf @cybeardjm
Stroll down my posts and you will find some posts about the Benin kingdom with links tap and read

@blogamf @cybeardjm
Haha that’s interesting 😄
The Benin Bronzes are just one part of the story, there’s so much more about the kingdom, especially its art, governance, and traditions.

Since you mentioned Edo Funk, how would you say the culture influenced the music you’ve heard?

@MagnusIdode @cybeardjm Well, first, I've been "involved" in African musics for the last 20 years, in a way or an other, now mostly blogging about it on AMF.
Music is an interesting part of cultures, at least till the end of the 20th century (less now IMHO), as it reflects the evolutions of people, following internal and external forces, absorbing vibes and enhancing them through art.
https://amf.didiermary.fr/?s=edo+funk
You searched for edo funk - African Music Forum

Community for Lovers of African Musics

African Music Forum

@blogamf @realtegan @cybeardjm
That’s a fair point, I see what you mean.

I think what amazes me is that many people still don’t realize how structured and advanced these systems were before colonial influence. It’s like that part of history isn’t talked about enough.

And I like how you put it, music reflecting evolution. It makes me wonder how much of those original cultural elements are still preserved today versus what has changed over time. What do you think?

@blogamf @realtegan @cybeardjm
The Benin Kingdom once conquered areas like present-day Lagos, which they called Eko meaning war camp. They expanded across parts of southern Nigeria, making some local kings subject to Benin.

@blogamf @realtegan @cybeardjm
You can click on the links below to learn more about the history of the Benin Kingdom and the current Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II 👑

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Benin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewuare_II
https://panafrocore.com/2024/03/31/the-kingdom-of-benin-a-short-historical-overview/

The Benin Kingdom was one of the most powerful and organized kingdoms in West Africa, with a strong system of governance, advanced art, and wide influence across regions 🌍

#BeninKingdom #History #Africa #Learning #Knowledge #Culture

Kingdom of Benin - Wikipedia

@MagnusIdode @realtegan "how much of those original cultural elements [...]"
Well, it's complicated in this 21st century, due to marketing and will to conquer global markets (to make money, not art. That's the music industry...).
But, there are countries on the continent where "ancient" cultural expressions, such as music styles or genres, are still preserved and alive. Less in others.
The main point that's usually still there, is rhythm, the use of traditional/ancient drum patterns.