Underrated local artists of Guadeloupe

In Guadeloupe let's say that there are basically two radio stations for young people. Unfortunately, these two play only the same damn songs all day long, every single day. Furthermore, the audience will be "enjoying" only the same bunch of singers, and others, as much talented or even more, will be forgotten...

That is a real pity because Guadeloupe is not only paradise in The Caribbean thanks to its wonderful landscapes but also the land of Oh-so-talented people who deserve to be under the spotlight.

Here is my list of a few local artists that I wish, one day, will have the consideration they deserve.

142 Désibèl

I'll start with a whole collective. Oh yes! Because all of these artists are just incredibly talented and I can barely highlight only one.

When I look at (and listen to) them, I'm amazed to see what it is like to share the same passion with longtime friends.

I remember hearing this group of friends, always singing in the secondary school hallways. They had found each other already.

Through the years, their passion for music strengthened by their friendship remains (or is it the contrary?).

They've always been so creative and resourceful. They didn't wait for any body to give them a chance in the music industry, they created their own opportunity, and I can tell that they did it well.

Lyrics, video clips, sound arrangements, instrumentals and more, 142 Désibèl do it all by itself and the songs are just lit boy!

Some of their voices are just treasures to me and give me thrills while getting my mind in deep thoughts, especially when I feel concerned in some way by the lyrics.

I had the chance to see a few of them live years ago at "Péyiz'Art" and at the cultural centre "Sonis" alongside other young artists, but man, I need to hear them when I turn up the sound of my radio!

Do not wait and please listen to "'till infinity" by EMS feat ISIS ; "ou sé sèl" by EMS feat Nomis and Koralyh ; "Jetlag" feat Oneblaze and way more!

After that, you won't stop pressing "play".

Bled Miki

I gotta say this rising star is just following the path the Universe has been putting for his family. They all are talented, that's crazy, and he is not the exception on that one.

Just like the previous singers I've highlighted, he didn't wait for anybody to urge his art.

I mean, why would you if you know what you're doing, right?

He's true to himself, true to his music and so, true to his audience. He sings the truth and is not afraid of the system ; "Babylone is my enemy" is clearly said in one of his biggest hits "Enfant de Jah".

I've been particularly touched by his track "Man Foumi".

In that one, he puts together the essence of our tradition and the modernity of a dancehall-styled riddim.

Gwoka, Guadeloupe's traditional music, is well represented in here:

First through the chorus which is typical in some Gwoka songs, then the "Ka" drum melody, main instrument of this style and moreover the "boulagèl" at the end (Creole for beatbox), reproducing here the rhythm of Gwoka with voices.

Beside that, the title "Man Foumi" recalls some tales particular of our folklore, and of course the whole song sounds like a tale being told.

It comes out like a cocktail I'd be pleased to get tipsy with.

His sensibility for his roots, that I believe to be kind of his signature, is a real plus to his music and touches me.

I can't stand that people are missing out such a thing because the radio can't play what's real.

Dimitri Paul

This guy is really something else.

I discovered him by chance at "Cri de Femmes"Festival in 2017.

He was entertaining the crowd whereas the event was more a photo exhibition.

Once he started singing I've been shook and shocked... Yeah boy!

His show was so unusual.

What drew my attention, beside his sweet voice tone, was that he would play music with no other instrument than his voice.

Yes, acappella! But another kind of acappella...

With a machine (I'm not a professional so of course I don't know the name of it), he creates his own instrumental by recording different sounds and melodies made out from his voice. These melodies, put together, become the beat your body will be swinging on. On top of that, he drops his lyrics and reveals his flow, and here we go.

I stood there dumbfounded as all of this was done live, right under my eyes!

Since then, I never forgot his name.

I invite you to look for "Mademoiselle" or "Petit Soleil" on YouTube. I must admit that these two are probably my favorite.

Dimitri often performs at 1973 Restaurant, bar & sound but, I'm sure you'll agree with me, it is time that a larger audience gets to know him.

Ishango Sound

If you don't know yet what is "Ipòp Kréyòl" (Creole Hip Hop) then you'll be served with Ishango Sound. A mix of sound and melodies from Guadeloupe and abroad which ends up giving this other kind of Hip Hop music, longtime played for several Hip Hop sessions back in the days.

Before focusing on the music, I'll emphasize on the human beings. The energy they spread says it all.

I had the chance to meet, unexpectedly, one of the lead singers Mano d'Ishango years ago. He appeared to be a caring person and this has just been confirmed in his texts. Besides being humble and receptive, he has that "help-people-go-forward"state of mind and that's just awesome because we must admit that this is not one of our strong points in Guadeloupe...

This is not about showing off, this is all about the reality of the surroundings. Not about being heard every where with commercials track that have no depths.

Their music defends convictions and always brings food to your mind and soul.

I love their song "Lagé-y" because it sums up everything about them: conciousness!

Before listening to their brand new digital album "iSHANGO BEYONDER" you'd better get familiar with their anthem which will get stuck in your mind forever... sorry, not sorry.

BONUS

I'll add the name of a young lady I've furtively discovered on Twitter when she started out.

Her name is J.Kay.

She makes her way through the industry making sure to be, I think, faithful to her values.

I won't be able to say much on what she produces as I do not follow her evolution enough so far.

However, it is undeniable that she is endowed with an enchanting voice that just blows my mind away every time I take the time to listen to whatever she posts on social media.

No more talking, I let you appreciate her freshly-released-cover of "Tèlman dous", a tune that is currently viral in Guadeloupe.

You have noticed that the artists I talked about just now have a couple of common grounds:

They are true to themselves and thus sing about what's real. Secondly, they remould and promote in their own genre the musical legacy that we have here in Gwada, and guys, I just want to thank them for that!