‘We are crazy European, that’s why!’, explains Hélène, ‘You can put it in your article too!’ Célia adds: ‘We are crazy Afropean, actually.’ ‘That’s right’, echoes Hélène. Just as in the interview the two sisters of Les Nubians complete each other every step of the way on stage. Their performance packed the Blender Theater at Gramercy on a rainy Friday night. With only 300 tickets sold before the show fans kept on pouring in so when the first sounds hit the air the entire venue was filled with happy, dancing, partying fans. No wonder, the Parisian sister duet with Cameroonian roots has stirred more of a storm here in the US than even in Europe or Afrika. Having done music with artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Talib Kweli here in the States they also have tracks with African legends like Youssou N’Dour.
Their stage presence brings a scent of a true funky masquerade ball mixed with a theatrical performance while staying musically infused. People do not feel that this is a regular concert/music show but rather a party with songs, drama and acting. Both Hélène and Célia act while singing, complimenting each other with more than their voices. Their movements are well-choreographed, their gestures carry hidden meanings, their masks reveal more than they conceal and their smiles are real while tears are proudly fabricated.
Bringing their show to New York Les Nubians’ entourage is filled with people from all walks of life. Célia brought her kids. Their faces are painted but those colors are there to entertain just the way entertainment began. Their beauty overflows from all angles, internally and externally alike. They synergy seems more natural than the best rehearsed act. Their fans are everyone from young to old, white and black, men and women alike. Their energy level stays consistently the same – naturally raised, while their music flows from their very souls.
Les Nubians are much more than a musical act. They are a never-ending holiday and they’ve brought gifts for all.
Dmitriy Goldin
