It was in 1985, with this album, that I discovered Kassav’. The band was at the top of its game at the time, and all the historic members were present. Kassav’ finally broke through in France with these eight tracks that were all hits, from Se Pa Djen Djen to Mwen Malad Aw via Mové Jou and An Ba Chenn’La. I remember my first concert, at the Feria de Nîmes, probably in 85 or 86 (and in general, when you went to the Feria de Nîmes, you didn’t remember much afterwards…), with Los Van Van as support act. It was a huge night. The popularity of zouk and Afro-Caribbean music owes a great deal to the opening up of the FM broadcast band, starting with the half-pirate free radio stations, then the overdose of new stations, few of which have survived today. Nova, however, was already one of the pioneers! And that’s it. I fell into it at the time. I’ve never looked back since, and I’m still splashing around with great pleasure.
Kassav’ – 1985
