Les Nubians

PRESS

LES NUBIANS PRESS QUOTES

“Les Nubians (…) bring the intercultural musical exchange between Africa, Europe, and the Americans full circle.” Lee Hildebrand- East Bay Express – CA

LES NUBIANS Nü Revolution [Shanachie, April 19] With a breezy blend of soul-braised, summer-ripe jams, Parisian sisters Hélène and Célia Faussart continue to cement their international appeal with their third album. The duo, who spent a chunk of their childhood in Chad, are just as much at home in the Bobby McFerrin–influenced, vocally percussive “Je M’en Occupe” as in the poppy soul of the Michael Jackson–riffed title track. We’re chilling a pitcher of sangria and planning our first backyard barbecue of the summer to this.

ALBUM RELEASE

http://www.giantstep.net/releases/2739

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2011/04/11/ia.les.nubians.bk.b.cnn

Music to Pick Up/Download

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Les Nubians, Nu Revolution

* * * SOUL

French-Cameroonian sisters Helene and Celia Faussart unique Afropean soul lifts the spirit and moves the feet. Intoxicating rhythms underpin their sensual ballads and pointed social commentaries. An update of the 1972 Afrodance hit Soul Makossa, featuring it’s originator, saxophonist Manu Dibango, is irresistible. Their blend of jazz, R&B, hip-hop and world beats offers a steady stream of delightful surprises. — Steve Jones

Download: Liberte, Veuillez Veiller Sur Vos Reves

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER – APRIL 21st 2011

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/pifa/Les_Nubians_bring_jazzy_Afro-pop_to_Kimmel.html

http://www.thestarklife.com/_beta/2011/06/10/les-nubians-new-dawn/

French Critiques

http://crazysongz.blogspot.com/2011/04/les-nubians-nu-revolution.html

http://neoboto.com/review-les-nubians-nu-revolution/

From Bloggers:

Music Review: LesNubians - Nü Revolution

Author: Kit O’Toole — Published: Apr 19, 2011 at 11:16 pm

Since 1999, the French/African duo Les Nubians have bewitched listeners with their blend of African music, hip hop, and jazz. Their breakthrough album, Princesses Nubiennes, spawned the hypnotic track, “Makeda”—while sung entirely in French, the heavy beat as well as Helene and Celia Faussart’s lovely harmonies held universal appeal. Their latest album, Nü Revolution, continues their musical journey, proving that the duo’s initial success was no fluke.

Virtually every track on Nü Revolution shines, with their messages of positivity and unity. As with their previous albums, language does not present a barrier for understanding. “Les Gens” recalls Princesses Nubiennes in its hip-hop and world music mixture and the sisters’ perfectly blended harmonies.

This song has the potential to become a radio hit similar to “Makeda.” With a slightly off-kilter rhythm, “Déjà Vu (Already You)” lets Les Nubians trade vocals with soul singer Eric Roberson. The most straightforward hip hop track, “Veuillez Veiller Sur Vos Rêves (J.Period Remix)” features guest John Banzaï, who raps entirely in French. The thumping beat, however, transcends language.

The title track, sung in English, recalls Stevie Wonder in terms of its bass line and message of positivity. “It’s time for a new revolution/With the world changing every day,” they chant, urging listeners to “make love” and “give love.” In addition, a celebratory tone pervades each song, such as the catchy “Nü Soul Makossa,” based on the heavily sampled 1972 Manu Dibango single, “Soul Makossa.” Dibango provides the saxophone while the Faussart sisters repeat the oft-imitated “mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-ku-sa” refrain (Michael Jackson also borrowed this phrase for his “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”).

Displaying their African roots, the whimsical “Afrodance” invites everyone to “get scandalous” and to “shake your afro.” Sure, the track may use the familiar “everyone get on the floor” theme, but they add quirky elements to distinguish the song from such other tunes. Using African-tinged rhythms, Les Nubians even reference the “if you want to be rich” line from the Laid Back hit “White Horse.” These elements all result in fun Afropop that is sure to burn up dance floors. “Africa for the Future” is straight-up Afropop (see legendary Nigerian artist Fela Kuti for more examples of the genre), with a shuffling beat and rapid guitar riffs.

Nü Revolution is more than about partying, however—as on their previous albums, Les Nubians include thoughtful, slow to midtempo tracks as well. “Vogue Navire (Sail On)” contains Wonder-esque harmonica as well as a piano riff that recalls Ashanti’s “Foolish.” But the sisters’ smooth vocals sung in their native French add an international flavor to this lovely ballad. The exotically beautiful “Je M’en Occupe (I’m Taking Care Of It)” interlude fuses African rhythms with French lyrics, with no percussion other than handclaps and, in essence, beatboxing.

With each album, the group has experienced even greater creative growth. Nü Revolution represents Les Nubians’ best work yet, and it gives the listener an instant education in Afropop and world music. No fluency in French is necessary for appreciating these sophisticated tunes and pounding rhythms. Overall, Nü Revolution ranks as one of the best albums I’ve heard thus far in 2011.

Press covering the NU EP and Fall US Tour

53rd Monterey Jazz Festival Cover Story

AfriPOP! Online magazine – Les Nubians interview 9/22/10

World Wide Waddie online Magazine – Nu Revolution CD Review 2010

Soul Bounce online Magazine – Review 9/20/10

iHipHop online Magazine – Review 5/3/10

Museke online Review

The Union.com – Tour announce 9/23/10

Eugene Weekly – 9/23/10

Coco & Creme Top 10 Flyest International Chics! – 9/27/10

JSD – John Simon Daily online interview with the sisters- 9/28/10

Aspen Times, Preview Feature story 9/30/10