A unique style

Tribeqa is not only a band, but a celebration of the vibrant encounter of cultures, instruments, and rhythms. From their home in Nantes to festivals across France and abroad, the group’s 4 musicians are drenched in the colors of afro-soul, jazz, and hiphop. Their optimistic groove, their embrace of mixed cultures, and their performance energy has made them a valuable asset. Picasso once said, “I don’t look for, I find.” Tribeqa has that grace to find the groove naturally without forcing it. On stage, Tribeqa shines in the alchemy of mixing Josselin Quentin’s chromatic balafon with Etienne Arnoux’s acoustic guitar, Julien Ouvrard’s drums with Malou Oheix’s voice and synth bass. Their repertoire expands to multiple destinations through jazz, soul, hip hop, and African music with lyrics in English, French, Spanish, or Dioula. Their live shows take the spectators on a musical journey around the World without having to leave the venue.

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SUMU: A musical Odyssey across West Africa, Jazz, and Hip Hop

After three previous albums attracting attention and getting rave reviews (Telerama, FIP, Radio Nova, France Inter,…), Tribeqa is back with SUMU, a fourth majestic opus that confirms the collective’s unique identity, a vibrant dialog between African roots, upbeat jazz, and powerful hip hop. The album SUMU, which means “coming together” in Dioula, holds nothing back. It is as audacious as it is luminescent, rich in texture and heart. Each song is an epic, carried by the warm sound of the balafon, the lyricism of the guitars, the depth of the groove, and produced respectively to both tradition and innovation. The subject matter of the ten songs that make up the album varies between celebration (Life), family (Family), creative impulse (Artist), and inspiring places discovered by Josselin during his travels through West Africa (Ivory Coast in Grand Bassam and Burkina Faso in Secteur 22).

The album features prestigious guest artists who each contribute their talent and singularity: the flute of contemporary jazz legend Magic Malik, the sharp texts of California rapper Mr. J. Mereiros (seen alongside 20SYL in the AllttA project), the rapper Blacc El of the Dafuniks, as well as Wamian Kaïd.  The griots family Fatoma Dembele, Fanta Dembele, Maryam Diabaté et Dramane Dembele anchor the album in the red soil of Burkina Faso and the landscapes of Ivory Coast. Each artist gracefully integrates Tribeqa’s universe without compromising the group’s artistic identity.

The album is distinguished as much by mastery as it is by creative urgency. A dialog pulses between traditional percussion and drumbeats while melodies soar overhead. Each song is a sound fresco full of life, engagement, and beauty. SUMU is much more than an album. It is a manifesto bridging two continents, a call to active listening to be put beween all ears, especially those that delight in surprise. As Magic Malik proclaims, “Tribeqa’s music is a gift. I urge everyone to listen to their music and reap the benefits of their secret potion.”