Bwanjep is a kaneka group originating from the Bas-Coulna tribe, in the Hienghène mountain range, in New Caledonia. Active since the mid-1980s, it belongs to the first generation of groups that participated in the birth and development of kaneka.

The group is historically associated with Gilbert Kaloonbat Tein, singer, songwriter, and emblematic figure of Kanak music. Close to Jean-Marie Tjibaou, Gilbert Tein participated in the musical discussions and research that led to the emergence of Kaneka in the 1980s. Bwanjep then contributed to creating a contemporary music rooted in the rhythms, languages, and instruments of Kanak culture.

The name Bwanjep comes from a traditional percussion instrument made from the bark of a fig tree. Struck to mark the beats and offbeats, this instrument symbolizes the group's desire to integrate traditional Kanak sounds into modern music.

From 1985 onwards, the musicians of Bwanjep explored different forms of percussion and several varieties of bamboo. They combined these instruments with guitars, bass, keyboards and drums, creating a melodic kaneka marked by a recognizable rhythmic identity.

Bwanjep's repertoire addresses Kanak culture, history, land, identity, and the political and social aspirations of the Kanak people. The song "Kanaky mon pays" (Kanaky My Country), with lyrics by Jean-Marie Tjibaou and music by Gilbert Tein and Bwanjep, is among the works that accompanied the emergence of the Kaneka movement.

Among the group's best-known songs are Le Passé, Taaru, Kanaky, Hunge, Feux de brousse, La Brise, Ma vallée, and Sur ma route. Several of these songs have been compiled into Bwanjep L'intégrale, a remastered 37-track compilation released by Mangrove Productions.

Over the years, the composition of the group has evolved. After the first generation led by Gilbert Tein, the songwriters Robert Hatine and Siméon Tein participated in renewing the repertoire and continuing the musical project.

After a period of less visible presence on stage, Bwanjep reconnected with its audience at the Kaneka Legend festival in 2022. The group opened this event which brought together several historical Kanak music groups, with Gilbert Tein among its members.

Through his work on traditional instruments, his compositions and his role in the emergence of kaneka, Bwanjep occupies an important place in the history of Kanak music and the musical heritage of New Caledonia.