Search - Les Nubians :: Princesses Nubiennes

Fit for the "Princesses"

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 04/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you don't understand French, then good luck understanding most of what Les Nubians say. Then again, you really don't have to know. These talented sisters from France sculpt one of the most winning world albums in decades, "Princesses Nubians," a blend of jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop.Starting off with the smooth "Demain," Helene and Celia run the gamut with gentle European-influenced melodies ("Les Portes du Souvenir," the guitar-heavy "Voyager"), a couple of pleasant interludes, jazz (the upbeat "Makeda"), French-funk (the delicious "Tabou"), and poppy hip-hop (the only English track, the chipper "Sugar Cane").French cool and African soul seem like an unlikely musical fusion, but Les Nubians manage it very well. It's fresh, unabashedly sweet-sounding and has a vibrancy missing from most music. What is more, these two have gathered a wealth of different musical influences and patched them together into a unique sound, without a dull moment. Dancy? Definitely. Lightweight? Absolutely not. Their vocals are smooth and strong; it doesn't matter for a second if you don't understand any French beyond "Garcon." There's enough emotion in their voices to tell you just what you should feel without the words. Heavy foot-thumping percussion is woven together with piano, acoustic guitar, saxophone and violins.Rich and full of life, "Princesses Nubians" is a a rewarding collection of eclectic songs by a pair of deeply talented musicians. Elegant, sultry and highly recommended."

Tres belle....(very beautiful)

D. Pawl | Seattle | 09/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of my favorite pasttimes is immersing myself in the musical flavors of cultures from around the world. It is truly astonishing and wonderfully refreshing to hear the fusion of music that exists out there in the music world. This phenomenal and highly debut album by Les Nubians surpassed all of my expectations of what their distinct fusion of Cameroonian instrumentation and French R&B would sound like.



These two beautiful, talented, expressive half-French/half-Cameroonian sisters are more accomplished than many of today's pop divas in the States. They have a definitely original and accessible sound that appeals to even those who don't speak a word of French. The back of the CD reads as follows: "Miriam Makeba meets Wyclef Jean. Or maybe it's Soul 2 Soul meets Zap Mama. Comprised of two sisters from Bordeaux, France, Les Nubians mix sultry, jazzy grooves with smooth hip-hop, sprikled with sampled hints of exotic African influences." I would agree, but I would also add that the depth of their expression is like no other duo I have ever heard.



From the very first track on the CD, "Demain (Jazz)" we already get a sense of the diversity of sounds these women draw their inspiration from. We have African derived drum patterns, jazzy and certainly Sade-esque jazz beats and a driving strength from their two voices as they blend R&B with improvisation. They also pay a tribute to their inspiration in Sade (a half-English/half-Nigerian singer who also bridges the gap between her European and African duel identity) in their French and English interpretation of "Sweetest Taboo" entitled "Tabou." One of the strongest aspects of this wonderful first album is the ease at which they move between their African-inspired rhythms and samples, and into more European-based pop riffs and the R&B and jazz inspirations often heard in North American music. Each track tells a wonderfully evocative and engaging story. Don't overlook this beautiful album!"

The Definition of Soul Music

cheerio2k | Jacksonville, FL United States | 07/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have no idea what these women are saying. The beautiful thing is that no translation is necessary. The definition of soul music is just that: music that bypasses the ear and speaks directly to the inner man. These sisters from Bordeaux have accomplished this with their music. I can sense the homage being paid in "Makeda". I feel the yearning in "Embrasse Moi" and I can share their revelling in the sweetness of "Tabou", which, by the way, grooves harder than the original by Sade. It certainly doesn't hurt that the French that they curl around these notes and rythms, sounds so exotic, so sexy, and so good to my anglicized ears. Interstingly, without much understanding, I can still easily discern that these songs are not about the Bentleys, booty, and bling that have so poisoned R&B/hip-hop. The sad thing is that I discovered this diamond by stumbling over it at a used CD shop. I have never heard any of my local radio stations play one note of any of these songs; no doubt, they're too busy playing J-Lo seven times a day. So I'll do my part, pushing this along at the grass root level. I recommend it with the only French I know. C'est si bon!"