Bokanté, a group led by Michael League, the acclaimed leader of Snarky Puppy, emerged as a refreshing addition to the world music scene. League’s encounter with Malika Tirolien, an artist hailing from Guadeloupe, during his time in Montreal proved serendipitous. Inspired by Tirolien’s remarkable vocal abilities, League took it upon himself to compose melodies and music, while Tirolien contributed by adding lyrics and melodies, ultimately resulting in a collection of songs worthy of an entire album.
Tirolien, singing in the expressive languages of Creole and French, fearlessly tackles poignant subjects such as racism, the refugee crisis, and environmental issues, all the while expressing notions of unity and hope.
League, driven by his visionary approach, successfully assembled a group of musicians who had previously never crossed paths. Together, they ventured to Dreamland Studios in upstate New York to record their cohesive debut album, Strange Circles. This remarkable musical offering encompasses a diverse range of genres, from blues-infused echoes reminiscent of Led Zeppelin to the rich tapestry of the Caribbean kaladja.
Over the course of its ten tracks, the album effortlessly combines the expansive and multifaceted knowledge of the individual players with a poignant yet compassionate lyrical approach. Tirolien’s poignant verses, sung in both Creole and French, intricately paint vivid portraits of the struggles confronting our contemporary world: racism, the refugee crisis, the plight of a dying planet, and the pervasive apathy towards human suffering. Moreover, her words extend expressions of gratitude for the elements that unite us and ignite hope for the future of our collective humanity. Bokanté, throughout their musical odyssey, emerges as a vibrant embodiment of their aspirations for a world characterized by connection, unity, and love; a world built upon the principle of exchange.
At the heart of Bokanté’s mission lies the pursuit of creating exceptional music, exemplified by their name, which translates to “exchange” in Guadalupian Creole, poignantly reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the band members. Their unique musical style amalgamates blues elements with modern influences, tracing its lineage back to the rich musical traditions of Africa and the Arab World.
Notably, each member of the band has attained individual acclaim, and their distinctive personalities shine through in their compositions, which deftly navigate sociopolitical challenges while celebrating the essence of human existence.
Their album What Heat encompasses collaborations with Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, offering an extensive array of musical styles. Noteworthy to mention is Michael League’s prior collaboration with the orchestra on the Snarky Puppy album, Sylva. Regarding this creative endeavor, League explains, “This marks our first collaborative effort since Sylva, and I genuinely believe it to be equally audacious. The Metropole Orkest’s versatility and mastery in interpreting a wide spectrum of modern musical styles are a rare find. As an arranger, it presents an array of possibilities that would otherwise remain unattainable with other orchestras. Jules and I endeavored to capitalize on these possibilities in every conceivable manner.”
In addition to Michael League and Malika Tirolien, Bokanté comprises a rotating ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians, including Chris McQueen and Bob Lanzetti from Snarky Puppy; the pedal steel virtuoso Roosevelt Collier; the percussionists Keita Ogawa and Jamey Haddad; the Swedish musician André Ferrari; and special guest Weedie Braimah.
Tirolien, with her mesmerizing vocal prowess, stands as the charismatic frontwoman of the band. League and Tirolien, having cultivated a longstanding relationship, find their collaboration to be an organic fit, resulting in a captivating synergy.
Singing in a unique dialect of Guadalupian Creole, Tirolien infuses the music with a rhythmic flow that transcends language barriers, forging a profound emotional connection with listeners.
Bokanté firmly believes in the transformative power of groove and melodies, as they serve as the initial conduit to captivate the audience, preceding the exploration of the intricacies found within their lyrics and messages. The band’s varied backgrounds and harmonious sound serve as a resounding testament to the potential of unity and joy.
Released on the 30th of June 2023, Bokanté’s album, History, comprises nine tracks that celebrate the rich tapestry of black history, foster global unity, and shed light on the futility of warfare. Guided by the visionary prowess of Michael League, the acclaimed founder of Snarky Puppy, Bokanté embarked on a captivating journey through the blues, tracing its origins in Africa and acknowledging its pervasive influence throughout the diaspora. All the while, the band masterfully situates their music within a contemporary framework, ensuring its relevance and resonance.
Discography:
Strange Circles (GroundUP Music, 2016)
What Heat, with Metropole Orchestra conducted By Jules Buckley (Real World Records, 2018)
History (Real World Records, 2023)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.