Global Music Column – February

Polobi & the Gwo Ka Masters – Abri Cyclonique

The voice of 69-year-old Guadeloupean singer Moïse Polobi is a uniquely powerful presence. Deep, laden with heavy vibrato and rasping through yearning melody, his delivery has been honed through a lifetime spent with groups singing and playing gwo ka drum in unison in the forests near his home town of Petit-Bourg.

In 2020, an impromptu concert with local percussionist Klod Kiavué caught the attention of artistic director Valérie Malot and sparked the idea of Polobi’s solo debut. Produced by Mbongwana Star collaborator Doctor L, the result is Abri Cyclonique.

Read the review in the Guardian.

[This piece was published on 03/02/23]