Rabat – With hundreds of years of culture and tradition behind them, Delgrés brought the sound of the West Indies to Rabat on Tuesday, June 25 with their Carribean blues-inspired performance.
On the fifth day of the Mawazine, Delgrés brought the smooth flow of blues as well as the hypnotic energy of rock and soul music to the festival’s “Rhythms of the World Stage” on the banks of the river Bou Regreg.
Energetic guitar riffs accompanied with hefty drum beats and tuba sounds has allowed the band to fuse together influences from a myriad of genres. From blues and rock to reggae and soul music, the band’s sound represents a melting pot of rhythms from around the world.
However, despite the influences the band has adopted, it remains firmly dedicated to its Caribbean sound and origins, distinguishing it from other artists performing at this year’s Mawazine.
This Carribean influence can be seen upon first look at the band’s name: Delgrés. Selected shortly following the release of their track “Mo Jodi” (I’ll Die Today), the band’s name is a reference to Louis Delgrés, who died after revolting against French Napoleonic troops attempting to reintroduce slavery to the West Indies.
“The piece Mo Jodi (I’ll Die Today) pays tribute to his sacrifice. As a result, the figure of Louis Delgrès was ever-present as the band slowly matured, to the extent that it seemed obvious they should take on his name,” said Pascal Danaë, the band’s lead singer.
Meanwhile, the band’s use of the dobro guitar, accompanied by drums and brass instruments, helps to further entrench the Carribean vibes given off by their musical performances.
Read also: Mawazine: Les Amazones d’Afrique Bring World Music to Bouregreg
Delgrés has routinely used their music to convey messages that are difficult to state with just words. Songs such as Mr. President, venting frustration with the world’s treatment of the marginalized, and Ramené Mwen, emphasizing feelings after rejection, help to creatively express many emotions collectively felt around the world.
Whether or not every member of the audience could understand the band’s creolized French, the music’s message was universally understood and its emotional weight was universally felt by all in attendance.
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