Amélange of rock, jazz and maloya, Mangloo, the music band from Reunion Island which has a long-lost connection with India, is here in the city to perform at the Global Isai Music Festival. “Mangloo is the name of my grand grand grand Indian father who came from Pondicherry to Reunion Island,” begins Pascal Manglou, founder and lead guitarist of the band.
Being described as one of the most talented guitarists in the Indian Ocean region, Pascal says, Mishko M’Ba (Bass), Ludo Perez (Drums), Mathieu Brillant (Keyboards) and Raissa Cazal (Kayamb and backing vocals) are his music brothers. “I used to play with them in different music projects. When I wanted to start the band, there was no doubt I wanted them to be a part of it,” he says.
Raissa says that she was a fan of Pascal before joining the band. “I am one of his fans (from the fan club named ‘the Gloutes’). One day, Pascal asked me if I wanted to join the band and here I am!” Raissa who plays the Kayamb, a traditional instrument from Reunion Island, is the only female band member. “I feel lucky to bring a woman’s hand in this band and give the Reunionese touch by playing Kayamb,” she adds.
Pascal has performed in India since 2007 with several other bands such as Ziskakan (a famous band from Reunion Island), which was awarded Best Group in the Afro Caribbean Arts Prize. He says performing with his own band on their first tour in India (February 2014) made him feel complete. “We performed the Fireflies album and got a great response and I am excited to be back,” he shares.
While the rest of the band have performed in India before, for Mathieu it’s his first. “This is my first time here. I am told that the Indian public is amazing! I can’t wait to go on stage and share our music,” he says.
So, what have they planned for their gig in the city? The band will perform six new songs from the new album, especially for this festival! “We are currently recording the second album of Mangloo, a new brand music, mixing blues and Maloya. Maloya is the Reunion Island traditional music,” he says.
Talking about their love for Indian music and musicians, the band says, “We have huge respect for Indian music. They bring so many things into the world with music: passion, warfare and what not!”
The band members say that music is their language. “We travel around the world and communicate with our music,” says Pascal.
They are working on an album in creole style, blues and Maloya. Catch the band performing live on February 21 at Phoenix Market City.