Maloya, Nout TiZann

The Maloya is one of the most emblematic musical styles of Réunion culture. Memory carrierIt expresses a way to exist and tell the world.
Born on Island of Reunion, it finds its roots during colonization, in the songs and rhythms of the slaved people from Africa, Madagascar then engaged workers from India. He is distinguished by his syncopated rhythms and his deep songs carried by the traditional instruments, mainly on the bobr, roll, kayanm, piker, sati.

We distinguish Two forms of Maloya:

🔹 The Sacred Maloya, played during the served kabaré, spiritual ceremonies where percussions and songs accompany rituals to establish A connection with the ancestors. In this dimension Maloya a is a mystical music and trance, a bridge between the visible and invisible.

🔹 The profane Maloya, which is found in the kabars, concerts and gatherings with family and friends. Here, the words, often poetic and metaphorical, tell the story daily life, struggles and hopes of the people of Reunion.

With his mixed roots, the Maloya is a strong symbol of Cultural entertainment of the island. For a long time forbidden because judged Subversive, Maloya has been able to pass through time and impose, until being classified in UNESCO intangible heritage in 2009.

Since the first registration Official of Maloya in 1976 by Firmin Viry, produced by the PCR (Reunion Communist Party), this music ceased to exist. Today, Maloya continues to evolve and inspire many artists, whether in its traditional form or merger with other styles like electro, jazz, rock or trapaffirming its timelessness and universality.

🎶 What's your connection to the Maloya? What albums have marked the history of Maloya for you? Share your experiences in comment!

If you're looking for a more scientific aspect, there is this site (link) and Stephane Grondin's book « To the Maloya Rhythm »

📌 Discover how I integrate Maloya into my musical creations Here