N’Djamena, March 09, 2026
Upon invitation by Chad Jazz Education and featured by Ronel Jazz Festival in N`Djamena, Chad, I had the honour of giving a music introduction course titled “La magie de l’accordéon” (or “The magic of the accordion”) on March 7, 2026.
During this session, we explored the essentials of the accordion, including:
- The history of the accordion
- Its construction and functioning
- Its versatility across different music styles (e.g. classical, folk, tango, jazz),
The course inspired the audience with a wide range of sound samples, allowing everyone to enjoy the magical tones of this remarkable instrument.
Pictures by Djim Radé, Chad Jazz Education, 2026.
Accordions in the Chad
Although little has been published, accordions do have a place in Chadian music.
Accordions arrived in Sahel countries long ago and became popular in folk music to accompany chants.
Today, accordions appear in pop, rock, and other music styles across Chad.
Musicians like IZra & Élété give the accordion a leading voice in songs like “Ndjamenoise.”
And perhaps someday, you may just meet a village musician who sings stories and plays accordion to enhance emotions.
Chad Jazz Education
Chad Jazz Education is a pioneering initiative, spearheaded by Jazz musician Djim Radé that supports musical education in Chad. Located in the heart of Africa, the land of Toumaï boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending Sahelian, Arab, and French influences. The school is in process to be established as the first formal music education program in the country.
Following the successful training of its first cohort of jazz students, Chad Jazz Education is expanding toward formal, institutionalized music education—the first of its kind in Chad.
In this context, the accordion was highlighted in an introductory course presented to motivated and aspiring young musicians. Based on this course and the exchange with Chadian students, it is evident that accordions are not only popular but also recognized as versatile instruments, suitable for concerts, church services, and traditional music accompaniment in a wide variety of styles.
Whether with jazz, tango, musette, or traditional Chadian music, we had a fantastic time and hope that accordions will become increasingly accessible to musicians in Chad.
Do you want to support Chad Jazz Education?
Please get in touch if you have a spare instrument or
expertise you would like to share with musicians in the Chad.
The event took place on the ISFOP Sabangali Campus in N’Djamena.
Course language: French.
For a short excerpt of the introduction course, watch this or click below to watch the video on YouTube.com:
Many thanks to Djim Radé and Chad Jazz Education for the invitation and very inspiring moments during this workshop!
For more information please contact me or click on the image below to visit the Facebook site of Ronel Jazz Festival in the Chad.
Did you know that Germany has declared the “Accordion – Instrument of the year 2026”? More information could be found on the website of the Deutscher Akkordeonlehrer-Verband e.V. akkordeon2026.de.
