The musicians from Reunion Island – a small, volcanic territory of France located in the Indian Ocean, near Madagascar – were supposed to play at Globaltica in 2020. They were already booking their flights when the pandemic broke out and the whole world came to a standstill. We had to wait 5 years for them, but you’ll see that it was worth it.
Lindigo is one of the most important contemporary voices of Reunion – a band that develops the heritage of its homeland with unwavering energy and dedication. It was here, at the junction of Africa, Asia and Europe, that maloya was born – a ritual song of former slaves, deeply rooted in African and Malagasy traditions. For years banned, today it is a living testimony to the island’s Creole identity and is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The band, led by vocalist and percussionist Olivier Arasta, brings new energy to maloya – it respects tradition, but does not lock it away in an open-air museum. Their sound is based on the percussion instruments typical of the genre, such as roulér, kayamb and pikèr, but they do not shy away from influences from African, Brazilian, funk and even electronic music.
The band’s concerts resemble musical/dance ceremonies, in which rhythm becomes a common language. Arasta’s incredible charisma, dynamic arrangements and collective singing make the audience instantly drawn into the vortex of sounds and movement.
The band successfully performs all over the world, presenting maloya as open, contemporary, lively music. Thanks to them, Reunion gains a distinct voice – the voice of Creole culture, which for generations has been fighting for its memory and place in the world.
Musicians:
Antonis Antoniou – electric tzouras / vocals / electronics
Manos Stratis – bass synth / organ
Will Scott – bass clarinet
Ulaş Öğüç – drums / triggers
