Traditional Sephardic Ladino | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Noam “Nani” Vazana is one of the only artists in the world who writes and composes new songs in the endangered Ladino language which is a remnant of the rich heritage and tradition of Sephardic Jews, expelled by Queen Isabella from Spain and Portugal and forced to find refuge in other countries such as Greece and the Netherlands. Years later they suffered even more brutal persecution when Nazi Germany invaded both countries.
In her latest album ‘Ke Haber’ (What’s New) she captures the spirit of the ancient, matriarchal language and culture and propels it into the 21st century with socially pertinent lyrics, celebrating migration, gender, and female empowerment.
The soundscape bridges over tradition and modern life, capturing the sounds and smells of the marketplace and fusing them with raw, flamenco-like vocals and surprising instrumentations. Soft choral-like trombones embellish mariachi guitars and percussion with glimpses of piano and cello tracks, making this record a magical realistic mosaic. Nani unveils a piece of history we don’t easily find in other mythology and anthropology.
Nani ranked at the Top-20 on the World Music Charts Europe (#13 Ke Haber), represented the Netherlands at the EU Music Festival in Vietnam, and performed at the Kennedy Center USA, BBC Radio 3, the London Jazz Festival UK and the Jodhpur RIFF festival India.
Nani showcased at APAP USA, Jazzahead DE, and Injazz NL. She held talks at TEDx Amsterdam NL & hosted 3 WOMEX panels. The Dutch NPO network released a mini-documentary about her musical work and she also composed music for BBC4 and NPO documentaries.
Nani, the recipient of several awards, is a professor at the London Performing Academy of Music and the Jerusalem Music Academy, she chairs the Amsterdam Artist Collective and founded Why DIY Music and NOVA Foundation for the Arts. Her appearance at the Montana Folk Festival is in collaboration with NOVA Foundation for the Arts.
Her performances are sponsored in part to raise awareness for the Montana Jewish Project an effort to rejuvenate a synagogue in Helena to bring programming to Montana to highlight Jewish heritage, culture, and contributions to the state’s rich diversity.