Sagaï by Menwar, Loya,

Loya has launched the new project Blakaz, which aims to collaborate with artists from the Indian Ocean to release an album following several residencies near the living area of the selected artist, followed by a tour. The first part takes place in Mauritius, then Madagascar, and finally in Mozambique.

After two two-week residencies in Mauritius with singer Menwar, the album Sagaï was released in April 2020 and will be followed by a tour in Reunion and then in Europe. During this tour, they will be joined by percussionist Kerseley Sham.

After a first collaboration in May 2019 with Menwar, Loya wishes to delve deeper into the typical Sega music of Mauritius.

The intention is to explore new sounds using synthetic sound sources while respecting the spirit of traditional Sega. Menwar, a master of the ravanne percussion, prompted Loya to start by studying his rhythmic play on this percussion and synthesizing it on his machines. The dialogue between machines and acoustic instruments is the backbone of this project.

The ravanne percussion is highlighted, with two compositions dedicated to it: one where the synthesized ravanne rhythm accompanies a text by Menwar talking about his instrument, and another where Menwar sings his ravanne play in the style of konnakol from Carnatic music (music from South India present in Mauritius and Reunion due to the migration of indentured laborers). The rest of the repertoire consists of traditional songs by composers Ti frère, Georges Armelle, Fanfan, and Paul Mounawah.

Project Blakaz, is a collaborative project with artists from the Indian Ocean. The first part takes place in Mauritius, then Mayotte, Komor, Madagascar ...