What’s New in Ladino?
What does a centuries-old language sound like when it speaks to the present?
Israeli-Dutch singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nani Vazana brings new life to Ladino, the endangered Judeo-Spanish language of Sephardic communities, through original songs shaped by contemporary stories and feminist perspectives.
Her acclaimed album Ke Haber, meaning “What’s New?” in Ladino, brings the language into conversation with flamenco, jazz, and Middle Eastern musical traditions. Moving between voice, piano, and trombone, Vazana weaves music together with Sephardic folktales, humour, and personal storytelling.
Winner of Eurovision for Minority Languages, Vazana has been recognized for an approach that honours Ladino’s history while allowing it to grow. BBC Radio 3 described her voice as one that “transports you from ancient markets to modern jazz clubs in one breath.”
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Whether Ladino is part of your own history or a language you are encountering for the first time, Ke Haber offers an intimate encounter with a musical tradition that remains alive, expressive, and open to what comes next.
This performance is presented by Small World Music, a Toronto-based organization that brings people together through music from around the world. Small World creates space for artists to share their work with depth, context, and care, while inviting you to experience musical traditions both familiar and new.
Thursday, October 1
7:30 p.m.
Small World Centre · 180 Shaw Street
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