Marie-Claude Lambert-Philéas has maloya running through her veins. Known as Votia (pronounced “Voutre” in Malagasy), she is the daughter of the legendary Gramoun Lélé, a towering figure in the music and cultural traditions of La Réunion.
Seeing Marie-Claude Lambert-Philéas live is an experience of pure energy, joy, and connection. With her husband, children, and a group of skilled musicians by her side, she keeps alive the traditional maloya of her youth. In the Philéas family, maloya isn’t just music – it’s a way of life. For them, music is inseparable from who they are. Sung in Malagasy and Réunion Creole, their maloya is both a cry from the heart and a blues, but above all, it’s a celebration of life, singing, playing, dancing, and sharing with open-hearted generosity.
Votia’s music speaks of happiness, life here and beyond, love, and loss. It’s a cultural tradition and a deep sense of awareness passed on to the audience and future generations. Their maloya is powerful, shaped by personal stories and influenced by Indian and African musical traditions. Instruments like the n’goni, tanpura, tama, bansuri, takamba, and djembe blend seamlessly with the rich vocal harmonies and rhythms that define maloya.
Votia’s maloya is trance-like, a music that connects with the ancestors, a celebration of life. It’s a living memory, passed down with extraordinary energy from one generation to the next.
Musicians:
- Marie Claude Phileas Lambert: vocals
- Fabrice Lambert: backing vocals – Kayamb
- Jyothi Lambert: backing vocals – Roulèr
- Richelin Mahano: backing vocals, percussion
- Kezia Lambert: backing vocals, percussion
- Judikael Vitry: backing vocals, percussion
- Yéléna Lambert: backing vocals, dance
This event is part of Muziekpublique’s Nomadic Season. More information can be found here.
