Of all the Romance languages, French has got to be my favorite. Something about the way people of the French diaspora speak it is just It's a real cool language to speak and even learn. The language is charming yet quirky. To most, it is considered the language of love. An understatement that doesn't necessarily describe its essence. It is more fitting to call it a language of aristocracy, courtship, chivalry and the arts. Underneath it's love title, there is a sense of fanciness that dominates. It persists through all of the diaspora from the high class to the impoverished. Look no further than this artist who displays the qualities of the French language. Yet from the harsh environments from whence he came, grew a rose from concrete.

Hailing from Fort De France, Martinique. A young Simon grew up poor but had a dream for music. His parents did not have enough money to afford instruments. So, in response, he built his own guitar from scratch. His parents disapproved of his growing passion due to the cultural frowning of musicians. However, the shunning did not stop Jurad following his dreams. This hunger led to him making his first stage debut in 1968. Three years later, he would later hit it big joining the renowned Carribbean big band, La Perfecta. In which he crafted his composition "Ambition". He was apart of the group for 8 years before forming his own long running band, Operation 78. Aside from that, he has an extensive solo career that has channeled a crop of smoothness and funkiness for more than 20 years.

Now, this guy is such an adventurous, interesting person. He started his career making French Carribbean Zouk; a genre that implores a fast tempo with percussion driven rhythms and loud horn sections. To the smooth, poly-rhythmic tendencies of Electro Funk/Boogie. A diverse plethora of genre he incorporates, I found it dope how his personality remains. He's charming and quirky. A persona that is seen in tracks such as "Pete Pak" and "Zouk-Nostalgie". Jurad does display a sense of appreciation for those that came before him. Especially, the tribute "Bob Marley Forever" where he, alongside other vocalists, praise the legend for his contributions and messages. It's a heartwarming tribute that adds to his already upbeat personality.

Even with all the collaborators ranging from Jean Phillipe Marthély, Eddith Lefel, and Frank Sinatra violinists. The man has such a vibe that is nautical. Jurad growing up in the islands has a lot to do with that. It's displayed most notably in Marie Soleil(1985), a collab with his childhood friend, Serge Ponsar(A very familiar name to 80s Boogie/Funk connoisseurs). The song "Woule" has such a magical vibe that makes you feel you're sailing over the vibrant blue ocean and it's insanely funky too. The rhythmic complexity made of the booming bass guitar, pots and pan styled percussive rhythm, and the siren esque horns encompass a cinematic leaning. For some reason, it almost reminds of chase music Not the death defying ones but the comedic ones were a character is running away for stealing an apple from a tree or being caught getting s*** cracking with the farmer's daughter type s*** Nonetheless, it's beautiful, sea esque music that evokes that quirky smoothness of the French to a T

Happy National French American Heritage Month to all the KTT2 French diaspora. Ya'll are such a dope group of people. Ya'll inspire me everyday to keep my duolingo streak going Shout to all the people of the West Indies as well

Examples

Recommendations:
Simon Jurad & Operation 78(1980) avec Operation 78
Swing Machine(1981)
Marie Soliel(1985) avec Serge Ponsar

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Vivid write up, smooth vibes

I feel like I’m drinking a mango tequila smoothie

Si bon di bon on the dancefloor with your beautiful lady in your hand

I appreciate you taggin me and remembering I speak french. @Aquilla really cool! This was a great read!

i fw zouk i been listening to this album a lot lately

this is also why i love crystallmess’ music and her dj sets, the juxtaposition of all the french african diaspora music with avant garde electronic and hip hop is right up my alley

youtube.com/live/H3GGU-siqFE?si=jKfYhFNfMdwYDbno

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Oh boy! I done got BRAVE tipsy up in here

Yes I got you bro

Merci beaucoup

Appreciate you bruh

Wow This is amazing. I was only able to watch a quarter but damn her set really captures that French African diaspora vibe.

Does she have any other projects or has done production for others?

@Q3D Check this out breh

These girls are tough

My brother would loooove this

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Clean and great write ups every time

Some real laid back summer vibes. I fw it