We dig daily and work with producers around the world to create and curate the sound of the Indian Ocean. These shows are carefully put together by our selectors to invoke the spirit of Babani.  

An unexpected seduction. An instinctive call where it is impossible to resist percussive and bewitching melodies.

Babani is the state of trance reached during a ceremony invoking ancestors’ spirits leading to a multigenerational gathering with a common denominator: The rhythms of the Indian Ocean helped by the ravane, this percussion instrument made of goat skin and which has its roots on the island of Mauritius.

~(˘▾˘~) SHOWS (~˘▾˘)~

Adding up to our re-issue catalogue is the Reunionese group, Carrousel, La Vie Est Un Mystère. Helmed by Loy Ehrlich, French multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, this group was influenced by contemporary Western genres at the time such as blues, reggae and jazz but put their own tropical spice on top with local sega and maloya sonorities blended in with lyrics written in Creole.

Originally released in 1982, this LP was followed by a string of concerts around the island before Carrousel ceased its activities. However, owing to this project being ahead of its time with its unique fusions and timeless compositions, the group has earned itself popularity in the eyes of locals as well as music lovers all over the globe. We, Babani Records in collaboration with Kréol Art are happy to bring back this one and only album from this emblematic band for your listening pleasure.

The album has been restored and remastered with analogue gear by M.A Spaventi under our ears and Loy's attention to detail. We believe we managed to bring back to life the unique sound that the band had at that time without adding any other artefacts. A visionary project and unique take on cultural music from the Indian Ocean.

We've also carefully restored Jean-Luc's Igot's artwork with the help of Guimero. You'll be able to enjoy a vinyl version accompanied by a 60x30cm poster.

Get on board and enjoy the ride.

Support / Stream

BBNR008 | Carrousel - La Vie Est Un Mystère

Babani Soundsystem’s latest single, "LÉLOU," is a profound homage to the pioneering Mauritian artist Menwar, who first introduced his music under the name Lélou in 1977. This release, however, transcends a simple collaboration. Menwar is not merely an influence on the band; he has been a guiding figure, imparting his philosophy and playing a godfather-like role in shaping the project. His involvement has deeply informed the sound and spirit of "LÉLOU," making it a testament to his enduring legacy.

The track pays tribute to Menwar’s trailblazing contributions to sega music, blending the genre’s traditional roots with contemporary electronic beats. The result is a seamless fusion that speaks to a global audience, bridging generations and cultures.

Babani Soundsystem’s approach merges the ancestral power of sega with modern electronic influences, drawing from the belief that sega music can evoke spirits. This creative synergy produces a layered, immersive listening experience that resonates with both emotional depth and rhythmic energy. Released by Babani Records, the single aims to celebrate the rich, multifaceted musical heritage of the Indian Ocean.

In addition to the original track, "LÉLOU" features a selection of remixes from international producers, including DJ Doraemon (Portugal), Vitu Valera (Peru), BĖXSEE (UK, DnB), Kretekboyz (Netherlands, Ghettotech), and Ayef (Mauritius). Each remix offers a distinct interpretation of the original, further honoring Menwar’s legacy. The release is rounded out with "Melodi La Mer," a second original track that continues to explore the deep, resonant beauty of Mauritian music.

____

LÉLOU translates to Le Loup in french and Wolf in english. 
credits
released December 20, 2024

Mastering: Neil Combstock

Composition: Woréka

Keys: Ayef
Synth Bass: Ayef, Woréka
Arrangement: Babani Soundsystem

Illustration: Max
Concept/Design: Avneesh

BBN009 | Babani Soundsystem x Menwar - LÉLOU (Including Remixes)

BABANI presents the first official release from Tii Lespri — a spirit-like presence whose name means “small spirit” in Creole. This rework of ALMAL by Granmoun LÉLÉ draws a line between ancestral invocation and contemporary ritual — reshaped for the club but rooted in ceremony.

Granmoun LÉLÉ, born Julien Philéas, was a griot in the truest sense: drummer, singer, spiritual guide. His voice — raw, radiant, rooted — became a vessel for the people of Réunion Island. Like Menwar in Mauritius, LÉLÉ embodied resistance, memory, and transmission. He toured with his family troupe, carrying maloya across oceans and generations, and is said to have crossed paths with the likes of Gilberto Gil.

First released in 1995, ALMAL is a chant of invocation — a call to a protective spirit remembered by LÉLÉ’s father. Tii Lespri’s edit preserves the breath of the original, but stretches it into a stripped, percussive club form. Less a remix than a reactivation — one foot in the kabaré, one on the dancefloor.

This edit marks the first light of what’s to come:
SOLÉYÉ, the full album, officially reissued on vinyl and digital by BABANI and KRÉOL ART, lands later this year.

Tii Lespri
n. small spirit from the island of Dodos — a sonic echo between the ravanne and rhythm transmission.

FR
BABANI présente la toute première sortie officielle de Tii Lespri — une présence insaisissable dont le nom signifie “petit esprit” en créole. Cette relecture de ALMAL, morceau emblématique de Granmoun LÉLÉ, trace un pont entre l’invocation ancestrale et le rituel contemporain — reformulé pour le club, sans jamais trahir sa portée cérémonielle.

Granmoun LÉLÉ, né Julien Philéas, était un griot au sens plein : tambourier, chanteur, guide spirituel. Sa voix — brute, rayonnante, enracinée — est devenue un vecteur de mémoire pour le peuple réunionnais. À l’image de Menwar à Maurice, LÉLÉ incarnait la résistance, la transmission, la parole vivante. Il a tourné avec sa troupe familiale à travers le monde, et aurait même croisé la route de Gilberto Gil.

Sorti pour la première fois en 1995, ALMAL est un chant d’invocation — un appel à un esprit protecteur transmis par le père de LÉLÉ. L’edit de Tii Lespri respecte le souffle de l’original, tout en l’étirant dans une forme épurée et percussive, pensée pour le dancefloor. Ce n’est pas un remix, mais une réactivation.
Un pied dans le kabaré, l’autre dans le club.

Cet edit marque l’aube de ce qui arrive :
SOLÉYÉ, l’album complet, sera bientôt réédité en vinyle et digital par BABANI et KRÉOL ART.

Tii Lespri
n. petit esprit venu de l’île aux dodos — un écho sonore entre le ravanne et la transmission rythmique.

STREAM/BUY

BBNR019A | Granmoun LÉLÉ - Almal

Dutch music producer JO BISSA and Mauritian artist KAN have embarked on a captivating sonic journey with their full-length album, “Losean." Four years in the making, “Losean" emerges as a musical testament to the power of collaboration, crossing continents and cultures to unite two visionary artists whose shared passion for environmental awareness and artistry knows no bounds. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds, JO BISSA and KAN have sculpted a collection of tracks that dive deep into the heart of the ocean's mysteries and the urgent need to protect it.

Rooted in the Mauritian cultural landscape and inspired by the troubling reality of pollution in the region's waters, "Losean" serves as both a plea and a celebration. The album's title, derived from the Mauritian Creole word for 'ocean’, encapsulates its essence: an expanse of musical waves that mirror the vastness and vitality of the sea KAN. His mastery as a multi-instrumentalist seamlessly blends with JO BISSA's innovative downtempo beats. The result is a hypnotic fusion that resonates with the rhythms of Mauritian Sega, a tribute to the cultural roots that ground this musical endeavor, mirroring the different backgrounds of the two artists behind this project.

As an ode to the sea's majesty, "Losean" extends beyond the auditory experience. Each track is a chapter in an ecological narrative, a call to action, and an invitation to immerse oneself in the heart of the natural world. KAN's 'Trash to Music' project, born from his dedication to confronting pollution through art, is echoed in the album's melodic exploration. From the depths of the ocean's soul to the distant shores of electronic innovation, this album becomes a vehicle for change. The remarkable synergy between JO BISSA and KAN remains an anomaly. Although they've never met face-to-face, their music bridges the physical and emotional gaps, a testament to the unifying power of art and shared purpose. "Losean" is a testament to their profound connection, a connection that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the heart.

Produced by Job de La Porte and Kan Chan Kin
Mastering: Job de La Porte

Illustration: Kim Yip Tong
Design/Layout: electrocaïne

BUY/STREAM

BBN004 | JO BISSA x KAN - Losean

Adding up to our re-issue catalogue is the Reunionese group, Carrousel, La Vie Est Un Mystère. Helmed by Loy Ehrlich, French multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, this group was influenced by contemporary Western genres at the time such as blues, reggae and jazz but put their own tropical spice on top with local sega and maloya sonorities blended in with lyrics written in Creole.

Originally released in 1982, this LP was followed by a string of concerts around the island before Carrousel ceased its activities. However, owing to this project being ahead of its time with its unique fusions and timeless compositions, the group has earned itself popularity in the eyes of locals as well as music lovers all over the globe. We, Babani Records in collaboration with Kréol Art are happy to bring back this one and only album from this emblematic band for your listening pleasure.

The album has been restored and remastered with analogue gear by M.A Spaventi under our ears and Loy's attention to detail. We believe we managed to bring back to life the unique sound that the band had at that time without adding any other artefacts. A visionary project and unique take on cultural music from the Indian Ocean.

We've also carefully restored Jean-Luc's Igot's artwork with the help of Guimero. You'll be able to enjoy a vinyl version accompanied by a 60x30cm poster.

Get on board and enjoy the ride.

Recorded in February 1982 in St-Pierre de la Réunion

Keyboards, Flute, Bass, Arranged By, Directed By – Loy Ehrlich
Artwork – Jean-Luc Igot
Bass, Vocals – Kiki Mariapin
Brass – Bruno Le Flanchec, Marc Blancher
Chorus – François, Sabine, Élise
Drums – Bigoun
Guitar – Teddy Baptiste
Percussion, Vocals – Jean-Claude Viadère
Percussion, Vocals – Joël Gonthier
Photography By – Emmanuelle Rivière
Recorded By – Dominique Mingui, Jean-Michel Gaudin
Saxophone – Tot

Re-issued by Kréol Art & Babani Records
Audio Restoration by M.A. Spaventi
Artwork Restoration by Guimero
Layout and design by electrocaïne

Carrousel - Les Singes

Carrousel - Valy

Carrousel - Alla Wyané

Carrousel - La Vie Est Un Mystère

Carrousel - Taxi Brousse

@stampthewax invites us to curate a Monday Morning Mixtape

https://www.stampthewax.com/2021/03/29/monday-morning-mixtape-344/

This mixtape is a depiction of how we would love a Monday morning to sound on any of the islands of the Indian Ocean and that we want to share to the world. Whether you’re on the beach, by a river, on a mountain, in your car or at work there’s a common need to feel positive vibes to start the week at your best.

It features some gems we've found while digging for music in the region and loaded with material that we're restoring for our re-issue catalogue. It also features an upcoming track from the label's Band, Babani Soundsystem.

Stream:
https://babani.streamlink.to/mmm

Photo: Karen Pang

Babani Records - Monday Morning Mixtape #344 • Stamp The Wax

Babani Records adds Roland Fatime better known as "Ti l'Afrique" to its restoration catalogue, diving into the Mauritian sounds of the mid-’70s and giving it an audio-visual refresh.

Fatime is a singer, composer, and musician known to have invented "Soul Sega" - a take on the island’s traditional music where emphasis is placed on musical quality, rather than a mere invitation to the dance. Originally released sometime in the 1970s and amongst the Mauritian artist’s very first 7inch records, S.I.L.V.I.E features the signature sound of the island, sega, along with hints of blues and rock n’ roll.

The EP is made up of two tracks: Bal Souki Souki with the participation of Gaetan Agathe on harmonica, and S.I.L.V.I.E., which have been remastered by Babani Records to bring out the essence of the record. The retouch has elevated the textures once overshadowed, yet retains the composition’s powerfully raw realness. The artwork had also undergone a rework, staying true to its prototypical visual.

The music is charged, danceable, and makes you feel ultimately cool. It is reflective of the sounds of the island at a time of economic challenges and cultural shifts.

Harmonica by Gaetan Agathe on Bal Souki Souki

Neil Combstock - Audio Restoration/Mastering
Originally Released on A.I.T. Records (Kenya)
Vinyl Collection - Courtesy of Arno Bazin

Roland Fatime - Bal Souki Souki

Before his rise to prominence, the prolific Mauritian-born artist Menwar was briefly known as Lélou where he recorded his first songs on two 45rpms pressed in Madagascar under the Mauritian label of 'Green Turtle’. Now re-issued under Babani Records, the EP has been carefully remastered and digitized restoring the original 1977 sonics enduring elemental decay over the years. After several months of restoration work with our engineer, Neil Combstock and Menwar the closest version to the original tapes was restored.

The first track sees Lélou singing about a father’s relationship with their child ‘Capito’. Lélou tells the story from a parent’s perspective when their child has seemingly gone missing only to see that they haven't strayed off too far.

'Léti Pommé’, is a social commentary on the theme of the working class. The title literally translates to 'plumped lettuce’ is a metaphor used to express the perks of hard work. Lélou sings about people in the countryside who have chosen hard work over having ‘fun’ who have earned themselves a stable income and home.

The pair of tracks; ‘Capito’ and ‘Léti Pommé’, pays tribute to Lélou’s hometown Cassis, one of the renowned areas in the periphery of Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. The original tapes accidentally got pressed at the wrong speed on vinyl when transferred to Madagascar from Mauritius via Reunion Island for additional elements to the music.

His short-lived moniker originates from his childhood nickname Ti Zoulou, then Lélou later on, coined by his mother in 1980. Lélou would go on to change his moniker to the current Menwar, foreshadowing greater musical prowess.

_______

FR

Réédité sous Babani Records, l’EP vinyle a été soigneusement remasterisé et numérisé pour restaurer les soniques originaux de 1977 endurant une dégradation élémentaire au fils des années. Après plusieurs mois de travail de restauration avec l’ingénieur du son de Babani Records, Neil Combstock et Menwar: la version la plus proche des bandes originals a été restaurée.

Avant sa montée en vue, l’artiste Mauricien prolifique Menwar était brièvement connu sous le nom de ‘Lélou’ où il a enregistré ses premières chansons sur deux 45 tours pressés à Madagascar sous le label ‘Green Turtle’.

La première chanson on peut voir Lélou chanter à propos d’un père et son fils ‘Capito’. Lélou chante les sentiments ressentis par un parent lorsque son enfant semble avoir disparu.

’Léti Pommé’ est une chanson sur le thème de la classe ouvrière. Le titre peut être littéralement traduit comme ‘laitue pulpeux’. C’est une métaphore utilisée pour exprimer les avantages du travail acharné. Lélou met en lumière des gens vivant à la campagne qui on choisit de travailler dur plutôt que de s’amuser afin d’obtenir un revenu stable et un foyer.

Les deux morceaux ‘Capito’ et ‘Léti Pommé’ rendent hommage à la ville natale de Menwar, Cassis, qui est l’un des quartiers renommés de Port Louis, la capitale de île Maurice. Les bandes originales ont accidentellement été pressées à la mauvaise vitesse de vinyle pendant le transfer à Madagascar de Île Maurice passant par Île de la Réunion pour d’autres améliorations musicales.

Son surnom de courte durée provient de son enfance ‘Ti Zoulou’, puis ‘Lélou’ plus tard inventé par sa mère en 1980. Lélou ensuite changera son surnom en l’actuel Menwar, pour engendrer de merveilleux performances musicales.

Originally Released on Green Turtle - 1977
Officially Re-Issued on Babani Records - 2021

Audio Restoration/Mastering - Neil Combstock
Artwork Restoration: electrocaïne
Vinyl Collection - Courtesy of Arno Bazin

DOWNLOAD / STREAM

Lélou - Capito

JO BISSA x KAN - Siyn La Natir

Stream/Support: https://m.babanirecords.com/bbnr007

From the moment we first heard LIONꓘKLASH on the mic, his lyrics had us spellbound. Clovis Ravaton grew from the streets of Mauritius, being a hiphop dancer and then getting his words down on paper, he soon became an adept of rhymes.

Between 2011 and 2012, he recorded his one and only studio album to date. Surrounded by the Mauritian talents, Danielly Louison on the arrangement and  coordinated by Pascal Ferdinand aka. Dagger Kkilla; this opus, we believe, was  ahead of its time for the island.

As soon as you press play, you'll be drawn into a hiphop-driven combination of jazz and soul with powerful line punches in Clovis’s native tongue, Mauritian Creole. Ragga and reggae are additional influences that you'll come across.

A true gem to us which we remastered to add to our re-issue catalogue.

LIONꓘKLASH -  Kot To Pou Galoupé?

LIONꓘKLASH - Gambling

LIONꓘKLASH - Enn Ik!

A few years in the making, this EP announces an upcoming collaborative album between Mauritian artist, KAN and Dutch artist, JO BISSA. When Babani Records started its project/label, we came up with the idea of making a local artist collaborate with an overseas artist to promote the local culture, tradition and music.

KAN came up with the initial idea/concept which adds a cause behind this collaboration – to raise awareness about the ocean and pollution happening in the Mauritian sea. Enn Losean Vivab can be translated to a liveable ocean. A fusion between organic sounds, recordings and electronic music. KAN creates his own instruments and records his own samples from nature and friends.

He is a multi-disciplinary artist and activist from Mauritius island. He went on a quest of discovering music from various cultures around the world. He started crafting instruments using materials found in the environment. Garbage happens to be part of it, so he began experimenting. Turning tin cans with plastic bottles into drums or pvc pipes into flutes or didgeridoos, thus his 'Trash to Music' project started.

JO BISSA is from Amsterdam and he is the Co-founder of the label, INI Movement and part of the international duo UMOJA, who played for the last 4 years all across Europe and Africa doing shows and recording music. Jo Bissa moves through a wide range of flavours during his sets going from eclectic house to vibrant exotic rhythms, funk always in favour of the dance floor. 

Even if KAN and JO BISSA never met each other, the music speaks for itself, the ocean speaks.

Mastering: Job de La Porte
Illustration: Kim Yip Tong

Stream / Support

JO BISSA - Plastik

Babani Soundsystem x Menwar - LÉLOU

A soul-stirring reinterpretation of Ras Kouyon — KAYA’s sharpest critique of systemic ignorance and racial illusion — reimagined through the jazz-rooted lens of MO’ZAR, the legendary musical collective founded by the late José Thérèse.

This rare and soul-stirring recording session was captured in 2009 by French producer Alexandre Desenfant, and features Philippe Thomas on trumpet and Patrick Desvaux on guitar, alongside a cohort of musicians from MO’ZAR. The result: a version both orchestral and raw, where jazz improvisation meets cultural resistance.

MO’ZAR — still alive today through the efforts of Philippe Thomas and a dedicated circle of former students turned mentors — continues to inspire and guide new generations of Mauritian musicians. Many of its alumni have gone on to study at renowned institutions like Berklee College of Music, carrying forward José’s vision of music as a force for transformation.

KAYA was more than the creator of seggae — he was a movement, a visionary who fused sega, reggae, and activism into a powerful call for unity. Ras Kouyon remains one of his most potent compositions: a fearless critique of postcolonial ignorance and the illusion of race. KAYA’s tragic death in police custody in 1999 remains a painful and unresolved chapter in Mauritian history.

This release is made with the blessing of KAYA’s family — a continuation of his fight, in his spirit, and with their trust. It reignites Ras Kouyon as a timeless anthem of resistance, consciousness, and hope.

By releasing this on International Jazz Day, BABANI Records & Kréol Art reaffirm their mission: to showcase the depth and diversity of Mauritian musical talent on a global scale — a blue note from Mauritius to the world. 

Mastering by Neil Combstock • TheStudio
Illustration by Henri Kums
Artwork by ë

STREAM / DOWNLOAD

KAYA - RAS KOUYON (José Thérèse & MO'ZAR Interpretation)

Granmoun LÉLÉ - Almal (Tii Lespri Edit)

Babani Soundsystem x Menwar - LÉLOU (Vitu Valera Remix)

Babani Soundsystem x Menwar - LÉLOU (Dj Doraemon Remix)

Menwar - Melodi La Mer

BBN004

STREAM / BUY

KAN - Bo Matin

Insula from Reunion island presents a wide variety of gems from the Indian ocean and beyond while also showcasing his trademark Future Maloya/Maloyatech style !

Rinse France Podcast

Babani Records presents Insula - 23 Juin 2023

Babani Soundsystem x Menwar - LÉLOU (Ayef's Flip)

A curation of Indian Ocean music for the 60 years of Phoenix Beer & opening of Season 7 of Kafe Kiltir Moris. 
Set played at L'Aventure du Sucre, Mauritius.


Tracklist :

Gael Horellou - Nature Boy
Darriana La Rebel - Protez Li
Nicolas Coyez - Kanelle
A4 - Ballad for Tatu
Johann Berby - Gro Marenn Dominik
Jerry Leonide - Soweto Children 
A4 - Ana
Maloya Jazz Xperianz - Dalonaz 
Lionkklash - Koz ar mwa
Nicolas Coyez - Doussmen 
Olivier Ker Ourio - Mangé pou le coeur
Olivier Ker Ourio - Kossassa
Hardy ek Zenfant Lakot - Rodrigues

Ayef - Kafe Kiltir Sezon 7 Opening Set (Babani Records)

Babani Soundsystem x Menwar - LÉLOU (Kretekboyz Rework)

JO BISSA x KAN - Losean
BUY LINK: https://jobissa.bandcamp.com/album/losean
Label: Babani Records (https://soundcloud.com/babanirecords)
https://www.instagram.com/babani.mu
> JO BISSA (@jobissa)
https://www.instagram.com/jo.bissa/

Dutch music producer JO BISSA and Mauritian artist KAN have embarked on a captivating sonic journey with their full-length album, “Losean." Four years in the making, “Losean" emerges as a musical testament to the power of collaboration, crossing continents and cultures to unite two visionary artists whose shared passion for environmental awareness and artistry knows no bounds. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds, JO BISSA and KAN have sculpted a collection of tracks that dive deep into the heart of the ocean's mysteries and the urgent need to protect it.

Rooted in the Mauritian cultural landscape and inspired by the troubling reality of pollution in the region's waters, "Losean" serves as both a plea and a celebration. The album's title, derived from the Mauritian Creole word for 'ocean’, encapsulates its essence: an expanse of musical waves that mirror the vastness and vitality of the sea KAN. His mastery as a multi-instrumentalist seamlessly blends with JO BISSA's innovative downtempo beats. The result is a hypnotic fusion that resonates with the rhythms of Mauritian Sega, a tribute to the cultural roots that ground this musical endeavor, mirroring the different backgrounds of the two artists behind this project.

As an ode to the sea's majesty, "Losean" extends beyond the auditory experience. Each track is a chapter in an ecological narrative, a call to action, and an invitation to immerse oneself in the heart of the natural world. KAN's 'Trash to Music' project, born from his dedication to confronting pollution through art, is echoed in the album's melodic exploration. From the depths of the ocean's soul to the distant shores of electronic innovation, this album becomes a vehicle for change. The remarkable synergy between JO BISSA and KAN remains an anomaly. Although they've never met face-to-face, their music bridges the physical and emotional gaps, a testament to the unifying power of art and shared purpose. "Losean" is a testament to their profound connection, a connection that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the heart.

BUY LINK

PREMIERE : JO BISSA X KAN - Mourgat Pe Danse

After two decades of travelling the world as a DJ and VJ, Babani's head honcho, Avneesh, ventures into music production with his debut collaborative EP, SEGA XPERIMENT #001.

This project was born out of a series of creative experiments with friends and fellow producers, allowing the Mauritian artist to craft his own distinctive sound. Avneesh focuses on the traditional Sega music of Mauritius, collaborating with UK-based Mauritian DJ/Producer K. Monday for this first EP. The two raw tracks on SEGA XPERIMENT #001 capture the vibrant energy and groove that define Avneesh’s DJ sets. While deeply rooted in traditional Mauritian music, these tracks seamlessly blend with contemporary club beats, creating a unique hybrid sound.

SEGA XPERIMENT #001 is a standout addition to the Babani label, offering two powerful tracks that immediately captivate with their innovative take on electronic Sega music.

AVNEESH x K. Monday - B◉L◉M SŮNGA

Granmoun LÉLÉ - ALMAL

KAYA & Racinetatane – SEGGAE MAN
Official digital reissue for KAYA DAY 2025

⸻

ABOUT THE ALBUM
In the late 1980s, a revolutionary sound was born in the Indian Ocean. Following the raw, foundational live recordings produced by Percy Yip Tong at Studio Korail, the Mauritian visionary KAYA was ready to bring his new genre to the world.

SEGGAE MAN is the landmark 1992 studio album that captured this sound in a newly polished form. Produced by Gaëtan Valentin, this is the sound of KAYA at the peak of his powers, backed by the legendary Racinetatane. Sung primarily in Mauritian Creole, the album also features two powerful English-language tracks, "Sun Love" and "Spirit Seggae Musik," reflecting the genre's international influences.

For years, this iconic album has been a treasured artifact but hard to find in high quality. Now, presented by BABANI as the inaugural release for KAYA DAY, this restored album serves as the world's introduction to a truly unique musical force.

This is not a subgenre. This is Seggae.

🎧 Discover more about KAYA DAY: www.babani.mu/kayaday
📀 Interested in the vinyl? babani.re

⸻

CREDITS
Originally released 1992
Official Digital Reissue 10 August 2025 • BABANI x KRÉOL ART

Musicians & Production
• Music Directors / Realization – Georges Corette, Patrick Antoine
• Vocals, Guitar – KAYA (Joseph Topize)
• Drums, Guitar, Bongos – Georges Corette
• Keyboards, Piano, Acoustic Guitar – Patrick Antoine
• Percussion (Conga) – Georges Amorin, Berty Pierre (“Fok”)
• Trumpet – Graham Hays
• Backing Vocals – Gillian Boughey, Karen Gluck, KAYA, Georges Corette, Patrick Antoine

Technical & Creative
• Engineers – Ilan Rog, Didier Boughey
• Co-editor – AB Disques, Gaëtan Valentin
• Co-production – Island Seggae
• Original Design/Layout – Henry Koombes
• 2025 Remaster – Neil Combstock (Bōucan Road Studios, Mauritius)

⸻

More info: www.kaya.mu

#mauritius #seggae #babani #kreolart #vinylrun

KAYA ek Racinetatane - SEGGAE MAN

KAYA ek Racinetatane - SIMÉ LA LUMIÈRE

KAYA ek Racinetatane - L'ESPRIT MALIN

KAYA ek Racinetatane - BIZIN LÉVÉ

KAYA ek Racinetatane - SOLEY BON DIEU

BBNR020 — BABANI RE-ISSUE

Following the success of BWAROUZ, BABANI proudly continues its re-issue series dedicated to the timeless works of Danyèl Waro — guardian of maloya and voice of La Réunion.

Official re-issue by BABANI × KRÉOL ART
In collaboration with Label Cobalt

Originally released in 1999, FOUTAN FONNKÈR captures Danyèl Waro in full voice — a live recording from Berlin (1996) that channels the raw soul of Réunion’s maloya. Between trance and testimony, it is a record that speaks from the people, for the people — a rhythm of resistance, a poem of dignity.

Guided by the pulse of the kayanm, bob and roulèr, Waro delivers words that breathe, strike and heal. Every sound echoes the island’s living memory — its struggles, its beauty, and its fierce sense of freedom.

Limited edition of 500 copies worldwide.

Carefully remastered by Neil Combstock for Bōucan Road Studios,
in collaboration with Philippe Conrath (Label Cobalt).
Artwork and layout by ë • visuals.
Illustration by Florans Feliks.

A document of spirit and fire — the voice of La Réunion, alive and unbroken.

Featured on Le Nouvel Obs – “12 vinyles lumineux pour résister au mois d’octobre.”

© Label Cobalt 1999 – Vinyl edition licensed to BABANI Records × KRÉOL ART in 2025.

Danyèl Waro – TANBOU

Danyèl Waro – MOURAMOUR

Danyèl Waro – VYÉ MINM

Danyèl Waro – BANM KALOU BANM

Danyèl Waro – GALÉ

Danyèl Waro – FOUTAN FONNKÈR

Danyèl Waro – ALÉWAR

Danyèl Waro – LA MÉTÉO

Danyèl Waro – FÈTKAF

Danyèl Waro – MADLINN

Over summer Mr. Leenknecht gives away his radio slot to friends and family. The first one is a very special one cause they never ever shared anything from this project before. Watch out for the brand new record label Babani Records from Mauritius who’s hosting the first Chunks of Funk takeover. A mixtape brewed with upcoming material and edits 🔥✨

Babani Records:
Letting the ravanne flow in such a way that one becomes enchanted and mesmerized by its wavelengths. It has as foundation in keeping a raw and unprocessed essence of the islands’ vibration. While fusing electronic influences, Babani aims in conveying sparks the crude genre evokes. With a tropical piece of mind, the label shares an opinion of music, having for soul and existence heading from the Mascarene islands, and merged with influences far outside their geographic boundaries; bridging cultures and bringing music closer.

www.babanirecords.com 
www.leenknecht.com

Babani Records Takeover [Chunks Of Funk Vol. 95]

Zistwar Fer Per is the first single of @BabaniSoundsystem. The band from Mauritius defends a sound that blends Indian Ocean’s traditional rhythms and new electronic influences. The track title translated from Mauritian Creole, “Spooky stories.”, evokes the island’s urban legends about night creatures in children tales. It also metaphorically describes night gatherings where spirits are awoken by the sound of traditional percussions. The latter are omnipresent, driven by a bewitching bassline and complemented by obscure synths.

Produced by: Avneesh, Daniel Monaco, Woréka 
Vocals: Gary Mach 
Percussions: Norbert Planel 
Mixing/Mastered: Neil Combstock aka Zero dB 
Artwork: Guimero

Zistwar Fer Per

Download

Babani Soundsystem - Zistwar Fer Per

JO BISSA - Profonder

JO BISSA x KAN - Enn Losean Vivab (Album Version)

Part of @onthecornerrecords Door to The Cosmos feature on @sohoradio.

We've handpicked some gems and jazz to fit the vibe of the Morning Glory Show.

Aired on 17th September 2020

https://sohoradiolondon.com

Artwork: Chloé Ip x Kim Yip Tong
__________________________

An unexpected seduction. An instinctive call where it is impossible to resist percussive and bewitching melodies. Babani is the state of trance reached during a ceremony invoking ancestors’ spirits leading to a multigenerational gathering with a common denominator: The rhythms of the Indian Ocean helped by the ravane, this percussion instrument made of goat skin and which has its roots on the island of Mauritius.

Tracklist
Intro  
Jo Bissa - Profonder 
Trans Kabar - Oté Kabaré
 Lo Griyo - Servis Kabare 
Olivier Ker Ourio, Danyel Waro - Galé
 Thomas Brothers - A Nou Al Zoué 
Jerry Léonide - Black River Road
 Eric Niesor - Bal Gayar
 Tikok Vellaye - Maloya La Kour
 Don Korto - Samosa Beat #01 
Don Korto - ID 
Caribombo feat. Menwar  - Bin De Dam 
Babani Soundsystem - Zistwar Fer Per (Kraut Remix)
Menwar - Nani Nana (Woréka’s Edit)

Babani Records - Soho Radio • SEP 2020

GЯEG invite Babani Records - 15 Décembre 2020

Pete from @onthecornerrecords invites us on his @worldwide-fm show.

"Christmas Eve drive time Pete On The Corner invites Babani Records. A label from the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius. Label representative, Avneesh, shares with us their insight on their band, Babani Soundsystem which released recently on On The Corner and speaks about “Zoun – Lézard Vert”. An electric maloya album the label exhumed from 1983 in collaboration with Ziskakan."

Show: https://worldwidefm.net/show/pete-on-the-corner-with-babani-records/

Pete On The Corner invites Babani Records • Worldwide FM • DEC 2020

An instinctive call — impossible to resist — where rhythm awakens memory and spirit.

BABANI is a state of trance — a pulse that connects islands, generations, and ancestors through rhythm, art, and culture. 

Rooted in the indian Ocean, it celebrates living heritage — where drum meets devotion, sound meets ceremony, and the ravanne becomes the heartbeat of Kreol Soul.

TRADITION • ART • CULTURE

From Mauritius to the world.

BABANI

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