Grace was raised in both Australia and Seychelles, where her mother, a former dancer, ensured that she grew up with knowledge and love for Creole culture. Her high school years in Australia, meanwhile, exposed her to the influences of Western pop, r ‘n’ b and soul. While still at school, Grace taught herself bass guitar and received training in traditional Seychelles folk dancing by her mother. She was soon singing, writing and performing in the Seychelles community, local bands, and touring Australia’s remote communities facilitating youth music workshops. On this journey, Grace gained skills and confidence as a songwriter and performer. She teamed up with collaborator and music partner, James Searle to start work on her album.
Grace then took up University to study Education, while still pursuing music. Studies took a back seat in 2007 as Grace exploded on to the Australian music scene with the release of her debut single “Mon Ariveâ€. The song achieved significant local and national airplay in Australia, reaching the number one spot on Australia's Triple J Unearthed Roots chart. The song was also featured on the 2008 WAMI (Western Australian Music Industry) compilations CD.
In her home state of Western Australia, Grace has attracted considerable attention and earned her a loyal following on the strength of her live shows with her band. This has given her the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Ben Lee, The Wailers, UB40, Ernest Ranglin, Bomba, The Black Seeds, Mad Professor, Ba Cissoko, Jah Mason, Junior Reid and Sonny Morgan, and perform at Western Australia's prestigious festivals such as Perth International Festival and Fairbridge Festival.
An experienced performer with a strong stage presence and a gift for songwriting, Grace and collaborator James Searle won the 2006 WAMI ‘Song of the Year’ award in the world and folk category for their song “Mon Ankor Anmoureâ€.
Grace's band consists of a stellar lineup from amongst the cream of Western Australian musicians which features Freddy Poncin (Revelation Time, Lee Scratch Perry, Eek a Mouse, The Itals) on drum kit and percussion, Jamie Searle (Raggabeats, UK Players, Funk Club House Band) on guitar, bass and vocals, and Sally Quealy (Shangara Jive, AMC) ..boards and vocals. The most unreal and fascinating thing to see from the band is when Grace and James switch bass and guitar between songs!!
Grace has just finished recording her debut album "Kréol Daughter", with UK mixer/producer, Jeremy Allom, best known for mixing Massive Attack‘s first famous album, ‘Blue Lines‘ and working with artists such as Freddy McGregor, Sly & Robbie and Maxie Priest. The album has been four years in the making and is due to be released December 2008.
Great things can be expected from this rising star of the Seychelles as she brings her island roots to world stages!
Pour les fans de la star Seychelloise, Grace Barbé. Pour ceux et celles qui adorent sa musique.
About Seychelles
Please visit this site for information about Grace's birth place, Seychelles:
http://www.virtualseychelles.sc
".....Young Perth siren Grace Barbé is making waves on the local scene and nationally with this debut (Mon Arive). Steeped in her native Seychelles, Mon Arive mixes afro, reggae and soul, sung in French with a little Latin spice in the mix. Currently sitting at the top of the Triple J Unearthed roots charts, think Angelique Kidjo with a bit more afro. This disc features the video of the song that won Barbé the 2006 WAMI Song of the Year in the World & Folk category, Mon Ankor Anmoure, made by local producer, Chikitronix. A little beauty."
Xpress Magazine, February 2008.
....Mon Ankor Anmoure
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