His deeply moving single “Les beaux yeux de la mama” (literally,
mama’s beautiful eyes) took the world by storm four years ago.
Since then,
Kendji Girac has steadily been in the pop scene’s limelight, releasing hit
after hit.
اضافة اعلان
At least this is true mainly for Europe, the Middle East, and the
Arab world.
The popularity of the young French Roma singer has not yet reached
the US.
The secret of young artist’s success is … no secret at all!
It starts with a genuinely beautiful and powerful tenor voice that you can’t
resist.
Even with the high notes, Girac manages to keep the warmth of the tone,
often ending a musical phrase with superb vibrato.
Then there is the style of the music: catchy melodies that
make you want to singalong, Roma rhythms with flamenco guitar strumming that
are guaranteed to appeal to a wide audience, well beyond the borders of France,
where Girac comes from.
The singer belongs to the Roma community in the south of
France, near Spain, and speaks and sings in Catalan as well as in French.
The
typical soft accent of southern France probably has something to do with
Girac’s success.
The singer’s latest album is titled “Mi Vida” (My Life) and is
already at the very top of the charts in France.
It features the attractive
single “Habibi” (Arabic for “my love”).
Apart from the words, “Ya Habibi”,
which the singer pronounces with a perfect Arabic accent and keeps repeating
throughout the song, all the lyrics are in French.
It has more than 22 million
views on Youtube. The beat is halfway between Roma-flamenco and a typical
Arabic folkloric dance.
Hence, her popularity in the Arab world, especially in
French speaking countries like Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Commenting on the song on Youtube, Noohad Fajllon from
Lebanon wrote: “It’s the first time that I hear a (foreign) singer pronounce the
word ‘Habibi’ correctly!”
It also got enthusiastic comments from Saudi Arabia, where
French is not a widely spoken language.
Perhaps it is more proof — if it was ever
needed — that music is the language of the world, regardless of the words
carries.
The truth is that Kendji Girac sings with his guts and sincere emotion,
which never goes out of style.
Searching for more tracks by the singer, one finds a Roma-flavored
interesting rendition of the Eagles’ “Hotel California” megahit, sung in a mix
of English and Catalan that is also available on Youtube.
It may not be his
best performance, but it is nevertheless worth listening to and is guaranteed
to raise a smile, at least.
Another major hit by the singer is “Andalouse” (Andalusian
girl) that proudly has 360 million views on the platform to this date.
Andalouse
provides another example Arabic’s influence in Girac’s music.
The beat is infectious and the voice charming.
Here too, the
music is a subtle blend of Roma, Arabic, and Spanish, with the right dose of
each ingredient.
Some might argue that it is all too easy and a very commercial
way to do things — to produce pop music.
The fact remains that it works, and it
sounds pleasant.
Why should we complain? Once again, Girac’s voice makes all
the difference and generates a product that is very in demand — to put it in
business terms.
Those curious about the young artist’s bio may be interested
in knowing that it all started with his participation in The Voice in 2014.
He
won with flying colors.
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Opinion and Analysis
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