Jazz Bantù delivered a memorable performance on March 20th at the Centre Paris Anim' Curial, igniting the audience with an immersive blend of African and contemporary sounds. The concert, part of the Festival Quartier Sud, transformed the hall into a vibrant space celebrating African music and culture.
Upon entering, the Sawa art of dress set the tone, preceding the arrival of the five instrumentalists on stage. Dressed in Sandja, a traditional silk loincloth, and "afritude" shirts, Calvin Yug (drums and vocals), Serges Epoh (percussion and spoken word), Michaël Havard (saxophone and flute), Juliano Beccari (keyboard), and Alain Nyame (bass guitar) were greeted with thunderous applause.
The quintet performed live pieces from their album "Diyélé," including tracks like "Manguén," "Malèp," and "Assiko". Jazz Bantù draws inspiration from Ngog Lituba, a sacred stone in the village of Nyanon, a source of wisdom for the Bassa, Bati, and Mpo'o peoples. Their music is a fusion of jazz and African elements, incorporating makuné rhythms, tam-tams, balafons, and pygmy flutes.
The group describes its style as a hybridization where "original jazz collides with the soul of Africa," creating a unique musical experience. This fusion transcends linguistic barriers, allowing a cosmopolitan audience to sing in unison, carried by melodies and rhythms.
Jazz Bantù conveys a message of peace, love, and humanity through its music, drawing on the cultural riches discovered during their travels. Their artistic approach blends tradition and modernity, integrating elements of jazz, pop, and contemporary music.
One spectator described the experience as a "boiling of emotions," highlighting the profound impact of the group's music. The Jazz Bantù concert offered a sensory immersion into the heart of African roots, celebrating cultural diversity and the universality of music. This concert highlighted the ability of music to unite people across borders and languages, making this evening an unforgettable moment for all those present.
