Les Nubians – Quarantine NÜ LOVE [Album]

On the album Quarantine NÜ LOVE, the ladies of Les Nubians duo stir the embers of love and encouragement inside listeners who may find themselves being worn down spiritually by all the turmoil bubbling up in the world. After a rousing instrumental intro from percussionist Nino Joya on the song “NÜ QUEENS INTRO“, Celia and Helene ease into a beautiful midtempo anthem called “NÜ REVOLUTION“.  The song opens with a beautiful kalima solo before blossoming into an inspiring piece that speaks of love, unity, and change. Throughout the song, the sisters sound heavenly whenever their voices align and deliver subtly impassioned solos whenever the spotlight tightens on each of them individually. The uptempo, hip-hop soul tune “VEUILLEZ VEILLER SUR VOS RÊVES” follows and is a feel-good number that recalls a time when neo-soul acts ruled the airwaves and hip-hop music expanded its connections to jazz and soul music. Hearing Les Nubians and guest emcee John Banzai play off each other’s energy is infectious and the decision to keep the tune (mostly) in their native tongue definitely adds to the track’s magic. Next up, the pair serves up a funky rework of a Manu Dibango classic with their “NÜ SOUL MAKOSSA“. The song is an energizing brew that brings together earthy soul-jazz, rollicking afrobeat, and the sister’s distinctive “Afropean Soul” sound under one body-moving banner. Add a little static and few fuzzy pops and this could easily be mistaken for an ultrarare funk 45 that was unearthed from the long forgotten vinyl crates of a boarded-up radio-station in Cameroon. “MBENGUE (A Letter From…)” opens with a brief Ewondo chanting session before melting into a soothing electro-acoustic mix of traditional African percussions and warm electronics. The pair allows listeners to get a glimpse of their struggles with being away from their extended family while still maintaining a sense of inner strength. The elements of the song are delicately layered and their harmonies are tender but powerful. Things end with a flourish of chanting and spirited percussion playing which can take you out of your surroundings if you only allow it. The next track, “VOGUE NAVIRE“, is another song about love and separation, but this time its from a place of romantic affection instead of familial love. Thanks to the power of an English translation lyric sheet, I was able to read a story of bittersweet encouragement as Helene and Celia sing sweetly about couples who hold strong to their loving bonds even as situations keep them separated for long periods of time. Still, even if the translation hadn’t been there, the mix of emotions in the ladies’ voices floats clearly across language barriers and is sure to stir up feelings in even the most passive listener. Finally, the album ends with “LIBERTE“ – a lighter soul number that gives off a sunny “loving this love of ours” vibe. It’s angelic and definitely one of the lighter moments on the album and ends things on a positive note. Personally, I think it would have been better placed as a middle-of-the-album kind of track as opposed to being the closer.  But bring things to a close on an upbeat note isn’t a bad thing and was undoubtedly a purposeful move by the artists.

2020 hasn’t given the world much to dance and smile about. The times are heavy and seem to get heavier everyday. But the women of Les Nubians have take a big step in keeping us all motivated to keep on keeping on with Quarantine NÜ LOVE. A beautifully crafted bit of inspiration during less than inspiring times. You can show your support by streaming and purchasing the EP Quarantine NÜ LOVE directly from Les Nubians by visiting their Bandcamp page (HERE). And while you’re enjoying the sounds, be sure to check out more from Helene & Celia by visiting the links listed.

“A special compilation to accompany you through this crazy Covid-19 time.” – Les Nubians

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