Popularized by Guy Conquette or Erick Cosaque and brought up to date by the ExpéKa collective, the gwo ka repertoire is not limited to percussion but develops a carefully codified culture where each rhythm accompanies stages of daily life such as hard labor, carnivals or funeral rites. Originating from Guadeloupe, this current naturally associated with marronage is today reinforced with this reissue, by Luc-Hubert Séjor, on Heavenly Sweetness French label. Initially released in 1979, “Mizik Filamonik-Spiritual Sound” brilliantly concentrates this Afro-descendant melting pot. Supported by a lively formation including Roger Raspail or Claude Vamur, the drummer of Kassav, this album releases implicit creativity in the light of the Caribbean cauldron. The effect is guaranteed from “Eritage” the opening title and its synthetic vibe; thanks to “Pein E Plezi”, a piece carried by a heady flute; or even with “Son”, according to the volume of certain ka drums. Yet it is the B-side and its three-movement piece that stand out. Militant and powerful, this composition dedicated to the victims of the slave trade and to West Indian migrants accurately describes the tormented 
history of Creole spaces: highly recommended by Star wax!

Vincent Caffiaux