On Dot Jan ! – Swanha Desvarieux, 2004

After studying in Paris, Swanha Desvarieux settled permanently in Guadeloupe in 1978. Since then, the singer has taken part in some of her brother Jacob’s recordings (Banzawa, Zouk La Sé Sel Medikaman Nou Ni) and produced several albums under her own name – the first, Swanha, dates back to 1984 – as well as with the group Milflé, or Karata. In 2004, Swanha published On Dot Jan ! Recueil de Chants Gwoka Vol. 1, featuring a mix of standards and compositions from a tradition much more often sung by men. Her powerful, almost lyrical voice is accompanied, depending on the track, by Alain Jean-Marie, Mario Canonge, Eric Vinceno, Pascal Mazamba, Roger Raspail, Jean-Claude Antoinette (ex Van Lévé), Sonny Troupé and Jacob of course. Even Ambroise Voundi, behind the studio controls, takes part in the backing vocals!