by Justine Labucay
photo credit: www.fileden.com"Music gives me the sweetest taboo," goes a line from one of this musical duo's most popular songs, Tabou. It is a slow and sensual song with a beat that draws from R&B and hip-hop influences, and talks about their passion for music.
The sultry voices behind this euphonious number are Hélène and Célia Faussart. Together, they are the musical marvel that is Les Nubians (The Nubians).
The sultry voices behind this euphonious number are Hélène and Célia Faussart. Together, they are the musical marvel that is Les Nubians (The Nubians).
photo credit: www.fileden.comBorn in France to a Cameroonian mother and a French father, Hélène and Célia, along with their parents, moved to the African coutnry of Chad after living a few years in Paris. They would return seven years later as teenagers and pursue a career in the music industry, starting out as an a cappella duo singing covers of popular R&B, African and Reggae songs.
Their big break would come in 1998 when they caught the eye of Virgin International records, which gave them a record deal. This allowed the sisters to finally record original music and release their first album, Princesses Nubiennes.
Despite the unenthused reception in the French-speaking countries of Switzerland, Belgium and France, their entry into the American music scene would give them nationwide popularity, catching the ears of many prominent artists they would later collaborate with, namely: top underground rapper Talib Kweli, world sensation The Black Eyed Peas, African jazz legend Manu Dibango, pianist Ray Lema, and classical musician Benjamin Biolay.
Their big break would come in 1998 when they caught the eye of Virgin International records, which gave them a record deal. This allowed the sisters to finally record original music and release their first album, Princesses Nubiennes.
Despite the unenthused reception in the French-speaking countries of Switzerland, Belgium and France, their entry into the American music scene would give them nationwide popularity, catching the ears of many prominent artists they would later collaborate with, namely: top underground rapper Talib Kweli, world sensation The Black Eyed Peas, African jazz legend Manu Dibango, pianist Ray Lema, and classical musician Benjamin Biolay.
Tabou by Les Nubians
Les Nubians has been described as unconventional, novel and fresh because of their musical style, which can be characterized as having the qualities of "roots music". Being half Cameroonian, the sisters' deep-seated identification with the African culture is evident in their artistic image and musical creations. Fusing their music with their paternal roots, they deliver their songs in the French language with that classic and elegant French suaveness.
Multicultural sensibilities and appreciation is what the ladies behind Les Nubians aim for. "This is so important, especially in Afro-European music," said Hélène in an interview. "Many of the sounds of the two cultures have been separated for so long, but music can be a bridge that helps people meet."
This talented duo is a rare soulful musical treat. Listen to their sound and discover modern-day French flair.
Multicultural sensibilities and appreciation is what the ladies behind Les Nubians aim for. "This is so important, especially in Afro-European music," said Hélène in an interview. "Many of the sounds of the two cultures have been separated for so long, but music can be a bridge that helps people meet."
This talented duo is a rare soulful musical treat. Listen to their sound and discover modern-day French flair.
