Global Rhythms: Votia

Arts & Culture

For Marie-Claude Lambert-Philéas, the lead singer and songwriter of the Maloya band, Votia, music truly is a family affair. The band, inherited from her late father, Gramoun Lélé, is comprised of her husband, brother, and her children. Together they create a powerhouse of sound stemming from the traditional Maloyan style, a genre special to their home in Réunion. Maloya music has origins in the music brought to the islands by African and Malagasy slaves and Indian workers, it’s sometimes compared to American blues. The songs feature stories of one’s daily life, at times a spiritual connection is summoned in the lyrics, but other songs just reflect the culture.

Votia’s music speaks of happiness, life here and beyond, love, and loss. It’s a cultural tradition and a deep sense of awareness passed on to the audience and future generations. The heartbeat of the music lies in the driving, percussive beats, a constant in most of the songs, which allows the listener an opportunity to fall into a trance-like state as they embark on a journey across the Island, riding on the polyphonic chorus of voices shared by the family band.

With just their voices and percussion instruments, the band transports audiences to another time and place – to the time of the “kabars,” the place where slaves, then later, former slaves, would gather and dance to the traditional maloya music of the island. Bring your rebellious spirit and love of connection from both inherited family and found family while you sway to the essential and expressive music of Votia.

Watch: Votia | A Take Away Show at #WOMEX24

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