DUB INC and Danakil

Using influences like Arab and African music, Hakim “Bouchkour” Meridja, Aurelien “Komian” Zohou, Jeremie Gregeois, Moritz Von Korff, Frederic Peyron, Idir Derdiche and Gregoy “Zigo” Mavidorakis formed the reggae group Dub Inc (previously Dub Incorporation). The French group has been making music together for over a decade and write their songs in a variety of languages like French, English, Arabic and Kabyle.

It is a complete understatement to say that they have a large fan following. Taking the stage met with a deafening cheer from the crowd, each member would take up their instruments and take their place on the stage. There is so much energy flowing through, from the crowd to each member of the group, with everyone giving and taking from this energy. It is really quite amazing to see how flawlessly Bouchkour and Komian can switch from one language to another for each song. They love the crowd, and make sure to let them know by giving it their all for the entirety of the show. They utilize all of the stage to make sure that all sides of the crowd gets their attention. The music flows though you and moves you to dance and there is absolutely no fighting it.

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!