Zap Mama

Like the title suggests, Zap Mama do what it says on the box and live, they’re a bombshell. The music is über danceable and a vocally focused mix of African rhythms, hip-hop, R&B and luscious pop melodies. Even those who have not heard of them will no doubt recognise many of the tunes thanks to the heavy media coverage they've received  - songs such as Iko Iko for example, part the Mission Impossible II soundtrack.

Grammy prize-winning Zap Mama is fronted by Marie Daulne who heralds from Zaire. Since the early 90s, Daulne has spent life on the road, criss-crossing continents and winning thousands of fans. With contributions from artists like G Love, Bilal and the renowned French actor Vincent Cassel, the band’s seventh album ReCreation launched in 2009 topped world music listings on Itunes in a flash.

This is the Mamas’ second MaiJazz appearance. We simply had to invite them back to allow the public a chance to cut loose and animate the Folken dancefloor with uncontrollable hip grinding and ear-to-ear grinning.

Translation by Erik Forster