The iconic Gaoulé Mizik group is part of the history of modern Gwoka in Guadeloupe, along with Gérard Lockel, the Geoffroy family, Kannida, Gwakasonné, Van-Lévé and so many others. Led by Tosh Montella, the collective released two albums, first Konbòch, then this one, released in 1988, with the most explicit subtitle, Un pas de plus vers le refus de l’ignorance. On percussion – drums and vocals – we find Marcel Laurent, Michel Belia, Leon Montella, Yves Esnard, Fred Laurent, Philippe Calodat, Patrick Salondy, Franck Anasthase, Harry Ursule, Berthile Ursule and Carlos Laurent. Tracks alternate between pure tradition and more modern influences – for example, Jacques Marie Basse’s keyboards on Sonné Lékla Sonné, and Patrick Marignale’s Ti-bwa on the track Fre Karayib. Christian Laviso adds his trademark guitareka, and the ensemble also features Aldo Middleton (keyboards and percussion) and Joanes Lubin’s aerial flute. An album that has become mythical and virtually impossible to find. The track Sonné Lékla Sonné was recently included in the excellent compilation Léspri Ka released by Time Capsule and Séance Centre, which we’ll be talking about shortly.
Un Pas de Plus Vers le Refus de l’Ignorance – Gaoulé Mizik, 1988
