BIOGRAPHY

Take a musical trip to the volcanic Comoros islands, where the Indian Ocean basks in plenitude.  The artist embodies this idyllic setting with melodies carried on the wind for the Islanders’ listening pleasure. Eliasse is synonymous with “Zangoma,” with a promise of tuning his instrument to every possible Indo-Oceanic chord. An amazing feat, this fusion of Western blues and rock with folk that celebrates the boundless spirit of freedom in the easterly African archipelago.

Zangoma is super rhythmic and the musician’s third and self-titled album, just released on the Soulbeats Music label, will blow you away… from the Taarab tradition of competing Arabic violins going way back in time, to a worthy Maloya that honours the voices of slaves. Art in its musical form, where the past is never forgotten and even the shortest chapters of Comorian history aren’t ignored, remembering the first Malagasy migrants and moving to the popular Mgodro rhythms.

Through his collaborations, Eliasse traces the line of his island’s identity in a flash. Even his melodic single Enra, is a synergistic performance featuring Touré Kunda and native Reunion poet-singer Soadaj. Song is food for this chameleon, who has opened for Lucien “Lulu” Gainsbourg and brought honour to the Francofolies de la Réunion.  So, get set to be taken a Comorian journey, care of Eliasse.