As the rain pattered dismally on the dark streets of Manchester, Cheetham Hill’s 150-year-old Sephardi synagogue warmly welcomed visitors to a unique musical experience on Sunday 27 October.
Nani Vazana is the world’s first millennial Ladino singer-songwriter – and it’s time to learn what that means. Ladino is a language developed by 15th-century Jewish communities across multi-faith Spain. Since the language was widely banned in Europe in the 20th-century, it now faces extinction in the modern world.
But Vazana is determined to protect the endangered oral history of her culture to preserve her connection to the past and, mostly, honour the memory of her grandmother.
Concert-goers sipped red wine and indulged in a homemade aubergine dish in the charming cafe at Manchester Jewish Museum, eagerly anticipating the show. Once the doors opened, the crowd filled the pews amid awestruck eyes and humbled gasps as many saw the historic place of worship for the first time.
Vazana entered the room with a radiant energy, immediately endearing her audience to her. She thanked us for being there and thanked the team who’d made the show happen, all with a moving sincerity.
Before the performance, Vazana explained a little about the journey of Ladino from its conception to now. She shared with us that as a girl, her grandmother had soothed her with lullabies in her mother tongue despite her being forbidden to speak it in the family home. Ladino was a gift the young Vazana received from her loving grandmother. Her eyes glistened softly as she told us her use of the language died with her grandmother when she was just 12.
Vazana’s value for the art of storytelling was apparent as she guided us through meandering tales of love, longing and lamentation explored in the traditional songs. She was candid in revealing the process of telling new stories in a language she’d forgotten she could speak for 15 years. She wanted to remain loyal to the themes of the centuries-old songs, but make them relatable for a wildly different modern world.
The musician’s talent is enormous. Her voice is deep and rich, like velvet. The kind of voice which has lived a thousand lives and longs to live a thousand more. As a pianist, she is powerful and intuitive. And in a twist, she provides the all-too-rare splendour of the trombone.
But that’s not all. Vazana used the beat of her hand on her chest to create a rhythm that was raw and emotionally charged. She utilised the audience in parts too, teaching us words and melodies to accompany her, which we did gladly.
Vazana is a compelling storyteller with an innate understanding of human desires, fears and dreams. Her ability to engage is intrinsic. It is the work of artists like Nani Vazana who are dedicated to the protection of culture, learning the lessons of the past, and moving forward with an informed perspective that will enrich society for years to come.
Nani Vazana will return to the UK in 2025. Check her upcoming tour dates here.
