Nikki Ninja x UNESCO Minetts Biosphere

Through this project, the Minett UNESCO Biosphere wanted to show that the biosphere reserve is not just a natural space. It is also a lived area, a place of memory, culture and learning. The aim was to give children the opportunity to express their own view of the Minett and to actively participate in the creation of a song inspired by their region.

The two educational excursions took place in April in two emblematic nature reserves of the region: the Lallenger Bierg in Schifflange and the Giele Botter in Differdange. Both locations are located in former open-cast mining areas and reflect the great diversity of the mining landscapes: rock walls, ponds, pioneer forests, dry meadows, slag remains, former mine entrances and impressive views of the nearby residential areas.

The students were accompanied by various experts and artists: Robert Weis, geologist at the Natural History Museum, Yannick Kieffer, historian of the city of Esch-sur-Alzette, Jan Herr, biologist at the Nature and Forest Administration, musician Pol Belardi, artist Nicole Bausch / Nikki Ninja and Lucie Majerus from the Minett UNESCO Biosphere team.

Between May and June, Nicole Bausch wrote the lyrics, while Pol Belardi composed the music. The song combines nature, contemporary creation and the cultural heritage of the region.

In the lyrics, Nicole introduces Nikki Ninja's grandfather as a "miner's man" - a former miner. He repeatedly tells the younger generation: "My generation worked for your generation." Through this figure, the song tells how the red lands of the mine, which were previously characterized by industrial exploitation, have transformed into vibrant natural spaces with great biodiversity.

Pol Belardi has incorporated sounds from his own sound library, which he recorded in nature reserves in the south of Luxembourg. He also used a sample of the "Biergoarbechterlidd", which comes from an arrangement for orchestra and choir that he wrote in 2022 for the musical Den Neie Mineur .

Cover by Lucie Majerus