The Unit just got back from a week-long tour of Réunion Island where we did a series of workshops followed by a show that included a collaborative performance with some local artists at an event called Arts Urbains.
Pioneer Unit traveled with African Dope Sound System (DJ Dope, Neon Don, Teba, Crosby, JJ, Jessie Dan and Alex) and Play-Doe (DJ Sibot and Spoek). The Unit was represented by Ben Sharpa, DJ Raiko, spo0ky and myself.
We were approached by the event organisers, Bato Fou, about six months ago, when I met up with one of their directors, Stéphane Barbieri, in Cape Town. At the time I must admit that I had never heard of Réunion. For those of you that have also never heard of it, Réunion is an island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, about 200 kilometres South West of Mauritius, the nearest island. One of the most striking features of the island is the live volcano that last erupted only six months ago.
After a couple of days of sightseeing and getting to know the local beer, Dodo, we were introduced to the workshop participants. The group consisted of musicians from a variety of musical styles ranging from dancehall to hip hop to traditional Créole performers.
Raiko got busy teaching some basic DJing techniques while everyone split into groups to work out collaborations. We were particularly impressed by Alex, a local rapper who talks about social injustice and Mangalor, a six-piece traditional Créole percussion and vocal group.
The main show, Arts Urbains was on our last night, the day before the French national holiday, Fête de la Musique. The stage was set up right on the beach and the weather was perfect despite being the middle of their winter. Bato Fou provided one of the nicest sound systems we’ve played on in a long time. One of the highlights of the night was Ben Sharpa and Raiko performing a traditional Créole remix of 5ive Fingers featuring Mangalor and Alex.
The crowd showed love to all the performers and we all had a great time. We took the after party to a local bar and continued performing until very late. After an hour’s sleep we had to bounce to the airport to catch our early flight.
We were treated like royalty by Bato Fou – big thanks to Stéphane, Nicolas and Prisca! We’re going to release the 5ive Fingers remix as soon as we can – and we’re definitely going back to Réunion!
We had too much fun. Check out some photos:
Rasta touch down pon island (click for larger image).
Our accommodation – life is tough (click for larger image).
Raiko keeps the fridge well stocked (click for larger image).
Volcano warning sign (click for larger image).
Lava flow (click for larger image).
Neon Don in a volcanic crater (click for larger image).
Introductions at the workshop (click for larger image).
Workshop performances (click for larger image).
Traditional Créole cuisine – smoked sausage in tomato sauce (click for larger image).
Chronic Clan on the coast (click for larger image).
Jam session with ‘Le Man’ (click for larger image).
Birthday feast (click for larger image).
Ben Sharpa / Raiko / Mangalor rehearsal (click for larger image).
Spoek with the event poster (click for larger image).
The venue for Arts Urbains (click for larger image).
The Kaptain salutes the crowd (click for larger image).
View from the stage (click for larger image).
Collaboration with Mangalor and Alex (click for larger image).
JessieDan alongside Ben Sharpa (click for larger image).
The afterparty (click for larger image).
And we’re out. Thank you Réunion (click for larger image).
Check out the full set of photos (285) on Flickr
That’s how we rrrrrrrrrrrroll!!
Recent Comments