Grace Barbe Afro-Kreol
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Grace Barbe Afro-Kreol

Perth, Western Australia, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | INDIE

Perth, Western Australia, Australia | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2014
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This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Her set was downright amazing!"

It is said that talent can come from any corner in the world. Hailing from the archipelagos of the Seychelles, Grace Barbe, delivers a fusion of rock, African beats, Latin rhythms and Seychellois alchemy that resulted in a night of thumping beats, rich percussions, melodiously poetic lyrics, that could, and did, drive crowds into a frenzy of dancing.
Grace Barbe, with her band Afro-Kreol, played songs from her new album Welele! Her set was downright amazing- the crowd responded in agreement with vigorous, sensuous dancing. Throughout an hour and fifteen minutes of non-stop vibrant rhythms flowing between high and low tempo, yet a maintaining smooth transmission from song to song. Despite a genre more known for its low fidelity aesthetics, the technical quality of Grace Barbe’s set is rather good – the vocals are loud, clean and not clashing with the riffs, and three different percussion instruments (hand drums, drum kit, and triangle) conjure a really rich beat. Even though the lyrics are in French and Creole, it didn’t matter at all- the percussions and the guitar riffs reminiscent of the good old days of rock carried the night.
The crowd, which is normally a passive, appreciative being, radically mutated into a different beast for the night, actively dancing away with absolute abandon – all of them just there to listen to the music, without holding any pretentions.
- Xpress Magazine


"Her set was downright amazing!"

It is said that talent can come from any corner in the world. Hailing from the archipelagos of the Seychelles, Grace Barbe, delivers a fusion of rock, African beats, Latin rhythms and Seychellois alchemy that resulted in a night of thumping beats, rich percussions, melodiously poetic lyrics, that could, and did, drive crowds into a frenzy of dancing.
Grace Barbe, with her band Afro-Kreol, played songs from her new album Welele! Her set was downright amazing- the crowd responded in agreement with vigorous, sensuous dancing. Throughout an hour and fifteen minutes of non-stop vibrant rhythms flowing between high and low tempo, yet a maintaining smooth transmission from song to song. Despite a genre more known for its low fidelity aesthetics, the technical quality of Grace Barbe’s set is rather good – the vocals are loud, clean and not clashing with the riffs, and three different percussion instruments (hand drums, drum kit, and triangle) conjure a really rich beat. Even though the lyrics are in French and Creole, it didn’t matter at all- the percussions and the guitar riffs reminiscent of the good old days of rock carried the night.
The crowd, which is normally a passive, appreciative being, radically mutated into a different beast for the night, actively dancing away with absolute abandon – all of them just there to listen to the music, without holding any pretentions.
- Xpress Magazine


"Effortless class and attitude"

Grace Barbé had so much effortless class and attitude about her she made it look easy.
- themusic.com.au - Lukas Murphy


"Mon Arive"

".....Young Perth siren Grace Barbé is making waves on the local scene and nationally with this debut (Mon Arive). Steeped in her native Seychelles, Mon Arive mixes afro, reggae and soul, sung in French with a little Latin spice in the mix. Currently sitting at the top of the Triple J Unearthed roots charts, think Angelique Kidjo with a bit more afro. This disc features the video of the song that won Barbé the 2006 WAMI Song of the Year in the World & Folk category, Mon Ankor Anmoure, made by local producer, Chikitronix. A little beauty."
Xpress Magazine, February 2008. - Xpress magazine


"FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL OF WORLD AND FOLK MUSIC, FAIRBRIDGE VILLAGE (PINJARRA), FRIDAY APRIL 29 - SUNDAY MAY 1"

GRACE BARBÉ AFRO-KREOL; picture-perfect funky soul played by world-class muso-cats. - www.coolperthnights.com


"Concert:Byron Bay Bluesfest 2011 – Day 4"

When I think about the word “Fusion” in terms of music, I’m reminded of Jazz Fusion – of bands like Weather Report, or Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew double LP. But I think what happened when that term became commonplace was that people were trying to describe a sound that was a fresh mix of old and new, of the familiar and the foreign. And fusion describes Grace Barbè Afro Kreol perfectly. Led by Grace Barbè, a charming,beautiful islander woman from the Seychelles, the band puts on an intricate, fun and engaging performance full of island reggae, creole rhythms, and complex, intense vocals in French, Creole and English. (Just for the record, I have never seen anyone play a more awesome triangle solo.) The whole tent was jumping and grooving to the thumping bass as the band played selections from their new CD, Creole Daughter, and made their way through a tribute medley of reggae songs from the islands, including Bob Marley and Musical Youth. An amazing, uplifting experience.
- www.musichord.com


"Grace Barbe at the Retreat (Melbourne)"

Beginning the Melbourne leg of a national tour, Grace opens with a promise to skip the talking and just play as much music as possible. She has a huge voice and backed by very accomplished musicians the strong reggae grooves quickly take hold. Grace is originally from the island of Seychelles and as the set progresses her wide base of influences becomes evident. Singing in both French and English the music drifts seamlessly along genres; bouncing reggae slides in comfortably with the slower roots ballads.

It’s a fairly long set and they mix it up well moving from “Thanks and Praise”, an optimistic and uplifting mantra to songs like “Jungle Juice” which really get the crowd moving. The piercing reflection of songs like “Why” also show how well they can shift down a gear when needed.
Grace seems to sing from within, it seems so natural, almost too natural. As she coaxes the crowd to sing along you get the impression this is Grace Barbe just being Grace Barbe. All the while the band makes sure no one is standing still, those not vying for room on the dance floor are tapping their feet and bouncing like puppets on strings.

Both bands take a real personal tack with their music. It’s big, generous and genuine; music for the joy of it. It sure looks like a joy to play and it is most definitely a joy to listen too.

Anthony Cabraal - www.pbsfm.org.au


"Grace Barbe at the Retreat (Melbourne)"

Beginning the Melbourne leg of a national tour, Grace opens with a promise to skip the talking and just play as much music as possible. She has a huge voice and backed by very accomplished musicians the strong reggae grooves quickly take hold. Grace is originally from the island of Seychelles and as the set progresses her wide base of influences becomes evident. Singing in both French and English the music drifts seamlessly along genres; bouncing reggae slides in comfortably with the slower roots ballads.

It’s a fairly long set and they mix it up well moving from “Thanks and Praise”, an optimistic and uplifting mantra to songs like “Jungle Juice” which really get the crowd moving. The piercing reflection of songs like “Why” also show how well they can shift down a gear when needed.
Grace seems to sing from within, it seems so natural, almost too natural. As she coaxes the crowd to sing along you get the impression this is Grace Barbe just being Grace Barbe. All the while the band makes sure no one is standing still, those not vying for room on the dance floor are tapping their feet and bouncing like puppets on strings.

Both bands take a real personal tack with their music. It’s big, generous and genuine; music for the joy of it. It sure looks like a joy to play and it is most definitely a joy to listen too.

Anthony Cabraal - www.pbsfm.org.au


"A Fresh New Sound"

Mon Arive is a beautiful song, sung with power and style. Grace Barbe is a fresh new sound on the roots music scene! Check it out, people....

- www.triplejunearthed.com


"Superb Dub"

Superb dub mixed by Choppa Crucial, local Perth Dub selector/producer, and Jeremy Allom, mixing engineer on Massive Attacks first Album "Blue Lines". Not to heavy on effects allowing the riddim to breath. Go get a copy NOW !!!!

- Sheriff Lindo


"Really Interesting"

really interesting. i havent heard a melody executed like this in a whilst. really beautiful. - www.triplejunearthed.com


"Uplifting"

This song is uplifting, perfect for summer. Grace's voice is smooth and soulful. A style that is fresh, which hooks you to sing along to the catchy chorus. Definately an artist to look out for. K. Atanaz

- www.triplejunearthed.com


"Really Interesting"

really interesting. i havent heard a melody executed like this in a whilst. really beautiful. - www.triplejunearthed.com


"What a Voice!"

what a voice :) beautiful back up harmonies too...and the giggles...just great! x - www.triplejunearthed.com


"Lovely Voice"

Lovely voice, great soothing song - www.triplejunearthed.com


"What a Voice!"

what a voice :) beautiful back up harmonies too...and the giggles...just great! x - www.triplejunearthed.com


"Funky Track"

Funky track. Makes you feel like swinging your hips. Excellent - www.triplejunearthed.com


"Funky Track"

Funky track. Makes you feel like swinging your hips. Excellent - www.triplejunearthed.com


Discography

Welele! album 2013

Tou Lannwit cd single 2013
Afro-Sega cd single 2011
Kreol Daughter cd album 2008
Multimedia cd single - Mon Arive/Breaking Down/Dubbing Down plus film clip "Mon Ankor Anmoure" 2007

Photos

Bio

Seychelles islander Grace Barbe is the real deal, a genuinely exotic world music star for the 21st century, with the talent, looks and voice to match. Grace's soulful music reflects and celebrates the diverse cultural influences of her Indian Ocean heritage.

 

The new album Welele! represents a mature and definitive manifesto of Graces Afro-Kreol style - a colourful and energetic fusion of tropical island rhythms with African percussion, reggae, pop, rock and latin flavours.

 

In performance, Grace lights up the stage with a vibrant and engaging presence that compels the audience to get up and dance. Her voice is a remarkably powerful instrument, and as a songwriter she has a rare and natural gift for rhythm and melody. Grace plays guitar and bass and sings in three languages; English, Kreol and French. Graces band has been awarded "Best World Act" an incredible five years running in her current home state of Western Australia.

Following the release of her debut album "Kreol Daughter" in 2009, Grace has performed at major festivals all over the Indian Ocean (Mauritius, La Reunion and Seychelles), as well as at many of Australia's leading music festivals, including Womadelaide, WOMAD New Zealand, Byron Bay Bluesfest and Woodford Folk Festival.

 

Catch her while you can!


Band Members