Wednesday, January 18, 2012

H’Sao

Reaches higher ground with masterfully blended Afro-pop, a capella sound

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By JENNIFER LIEBRUM
Express Staff Writer

The H’Sao band began with the Rimtobaye brothers and their sister who started out singing in their father’s church in their native Chad. Courtesy photo Laeticia Jourdan

It all started in a little church in Chad where the Rimtobaye children sang their hearts out with their pastor father's blessing.

The four brothers and a sister made their first out-of-church performance in 1994 when they took part in the "Fête de la Musique'' at the Centre Cultural Francais in Chad's capital city, N'Djamena. The more people who heard them sing, the more shows were lined up. Within a year, with the addition of the Ledjebgue brothers, they became the band H'Sao. Hirondelle, or swallow, the nickname their father gave them merged with Sao, which was a nod to their Chadian ancestors.

Soon after, they recorded their first demo. Before long they were able to buy instruments with the earnings. Until then, they had been creating and performing beautiful music with only their voices. This lack of means had allowed H'Sao to develop an original and unique style, as well as an impressive repertoire of a capella songs.

In March 2001, H'Sao's path took another nice new twist when they were selected out of 18 other bands to represent Chad at the "Jeux de la Francophonie,'' to be held in Ottawa that year. In July, H'Sao won a bronze medal at this large-scale event that gathers the world's best francophone athletes and artists. And things have just gotten better every year since.

H'Sao, now based in Canada, has filled concert halls in Sweden, Ireland, the U.S., Colombia, South Africa and Australia with vibrant African rhythms and joyful messages.

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Drawing from gospel and traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots, H'Sao displays clear soul, pop, and R&B influences. All the members of this Montréal Afro-pop group are singer-songwriters; elements of their various influences are smoothly blended with African rhythms to create fresh songs in a unique style.

But it is their masterful a capella singing that sets them apart on the vast soundscape of world music.

Here's a primer on the band members from their website, hsao.ca.:

Caleb Rimtobaye, guitarist and co-songwriter. It's at his place that the magic happens. Rehearsals are held at his home studio and he always sets the pace. A passionate man with a head full of ideas, Caleb is meticulous and is always looking for fresh new sounds. He is currently working on a project called "AfrotoniX." Details are at afrotonix.com.

Taroum Rimtobaye, dancer and singer. Her enchanting voice and unique moves convey the feel and energy of H'Sao's songs. Her sunny disposition gives a welcome feminine touch to the H'Sao vibe.

Mossbass Rimtobaye, bassist, co-songwriter, and singer. With his charmingly discreet demeanor, he embodies the H'Sao groove. On stage, he and his bass are a rhythmic force to be reckoned with.

Service Ledjebgue, percussionist, co-songwriter and singer. His talent, energy, humanity and joie de vivre bring a brotherly vibe to H'Sao. Crazy about singing and rhythms, he embodies the band's sense of unity.

Izra L., pianist, co-songwriter, dancer and singer. He's the youngest in the group. His voice will touch your heart and his dance moves always get the crowd on its feet. Izra L. is obsessed with the beats; his rhythm and talent always guarantee a one-of-a-kind show. Check out the Izra L. project at myspace.com/izra10.

Dono, drummer, co-songwriter and singer. He is blessed with unwavering motivation and H'Sao pride as he oozes rhythm from behind his kit. Both his determination and sensitivity are felt in every drum stroke.

You've heard their legend, you know their names. Now go get your tickets to hear them perform live at the Sun Valley Opera House, Saturday, Jan. 21.

World music:

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, at 6: 30 p.m.

Where: Sun Valley Opera House.

Brought to you by: The Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Ketchum.

Tickets: $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers, $10 for students.

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