Alliance Française du Bengale and the Honorary Consulate of Seychelles, in partnership with the embassy of France in India, the French Institute in India, the High Commission of Seychelles in India, and Peerless Hotel Kolkata, organised a World Music Day 2024 concert last month and it featured a mesmerising jazz creole performance by Bordeaux-based band AKODA at Brass & Barrel at Peerless Hotel.
AKODA, led by the talented pianist Valérie Chane-Tef from Reunion Island, Thomas Boudé on guitar and Eric Perez on percussion, delivered an unforgettable evening of creole ballads and infectious joie de vivre. The night successfully brought together diverse cultural influences and celebrated music’s universal appeal. After the gig, t2 chatted with Valérie Chane-Tef of AKODA.

How was your experience in Calcutta?

The experience was short but intense. Calcutta shows a completely different side to India. You’d think you were in another time.... In the afternoon, the workshop at Skinny Mo’s Jazz Club was enriching, as the students were themselves experienced musicians and we were able to tackle more advanced notions. And the evening concert was very warm in this magnificent hotel. I’d like to come back to Calcutta for a bit longer.

Your soundscape is quite unique…

Kuldeep bhartee, CEO-Peerless Hotels Pvt. Ltd

I listen to lots of different styles of music, from jazz to world music, including pop and classical, and I’m also very attached to the music back home, which I listen to a lot. I think my music is made up of all these influences.

What do you think of the jazz music scene at the moment?

I think it’s really interesting jazz and like all styles of music, it is evolving. I don’t think it’s going to change radically because everything has perhaps already been done in recent years. I think it’s important to maintain the traditions and fuse them with more modern music.

Contemporary and modern jazz. How do you blend the two in your music?

My music is based on traditional rhythms, in particular the créole rhythms that come from Réunion, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and on jazz, which I like to mix with more modern styles like pop. I’m very curious about everything I hear around me, so my music evolves accordingly.

What are some of your upcoming works?

I’ve got a new project called Tèr Laba in which I’m a singer and bass player! I love discovering and learning new instruments and sharing music with new musicians, as is the case with Tèr Laba. It all feeds me.

And your inspiration?

Many musicians inspire me and I’m always keen to discover new music. Travelling and meeting new people inspire me enormously. I hope to discover new lands.

Jazz in France and jazz in Calcutta — did you find similarities?

Like the French public, the Indian public is really incredible and warm. I feel that there’s a very strong musical culture here. Indians seem to love jazz. I appreciate the Indian public for their kindness.