Danakil und Les Wampas

France isn’t exactly seen as the heart of the Reggae music scene so when, in 2000, a group of French music students began a reggae band, no one knew what to expect. But when, on their first tour, they sold over a million demo CDs it became clear that Danakil were something special and they weren’t going anywhere.

Gig goers will be surprised when the band’s songs are sung in French because everything else about their act has an authenticity about it that would probably leave many expecting something more Jamaican. The worldly theme of their music continues into their lyrics with singer Balik often taking on themes such as African inequalities and other social and environmental issues. The music itself is full of groove and carries all the hallmarks of a brilliant reggae act. Fat bass and rolling drums, meet bright brass and nimble guitars to make a sound guaranteed to have crowds jamming out. The French may not be known for their Reggae prowess but, at least in Danakil’s case, they’re bloody good at it!