P
epe Oleka was immersed in a rich music heritage from a young age. Born in Badagry, Nigeria border to a Beninese mother who loved country music and a Bob Marley music lover, Nigerian father, she attributes her training to a cocktail of influences from voodoo rituals songs, Sunday Mass liturgies and Agbadja played at women monthly gatherings in Lome, where she moved to stay with her mother, to listening to Billie Holiday on the radio on Saturday nights. Pepe also plays the Udu, an earthenware jar with a hole on the side. She currently resides in France where she is a well sought Beninese artist and recently released her album "TchitĂŠ". We connected with Pepe to find out more about her music, inspirations and new album. 16| www.afroellemagazine.com