Granmoun Lele

Granmoun Lele is one of the seniors of maloya, the music of Reunion, kin to blues, that the slaves cried out in the sugar cane plants of Ile Bourbon. Indeed nothing is less fixated than the percussive art of Julien Phileas and his clan. This may be because among the Lele, music is a family thing, to be passed on.

Holder of the original groove, condensed around the magical triangle rouler-caiamba-bobre (maloya's basic instruments), has always been looking forward, instigating novelties and original proposals.

Thanks to his sons, Lele's music has constantly been enriched with new tones without losing its roots. This new album was recorded not far from his home, at the Theatre Bambous in Saint Benoit, in conditions close to a live performance. You can find the various facets of Lele's character, distilling his poetry of inimitable phrasing in Creole and Malagasy or making language dance like no one else can. Whether he expresses anger, humor or nostalgia, understanding his lyrics is not necessary to feel the emotion of his haunting voice. —Courtesy Calabash Music