Votia - Réunion

Réunion

‘Votia’ is an energetic Maloya-group from Réunion. Leader is singer Marie-Claude Lambert-Philéas, daugther of legendary Maloya musician Granmoun Lélé. The powerful Maloya rhythms literally flow through her veins. After years of singing backing vocals in, amongst others, her father's group, she decided to pursue her own musical dream. Surrounded by her husband, children and family, she created her own Maloya group titled ‘Votia’, named after her Madagascar-born mother. Maloya is the traditional music of Réunion. It is music that, just like the blues, finds its origins in the songs of slaves that worked on the plantations and contains expressions of feelings from everyday life however sad or joyous. It is recognisable through its driving percussion and typical melodies sung in Creole and influenced by different cultures from South Africa and Madagascar.

Line-up

Marie-Claude Phileas Lambert lead vocals

Judikael Vitry tampura, takanba, fluit, ngoni, vocals

Fabrice Lambert kayamb, piker, vocals

Richelin Mahano conga’s, doum doum, vocals

Fabien Boquet djembe, ngoni, vocals

Jyothi Lambert rouler, sati, vocals