Barbé brings soulful island sound to Busselton

Barbé’s gig at the Fire Station doubles as a preview of her new single Mardilo.

Mardilo will be officially launched with its music video on October 19.

The song is based on a traditional Seychelles Island tune and pays homage to Barbé’s culture.

Barbé said she and the other members of her trio, James Searle and Joelle Barbé, had been trying to promote music from the Indian Ocean island for many years.

“The music from there is definitely different. I’m from there and the roots culture is very important,” she said.

“There is not enough recognition of music from that region on an international level.

“A lot of artists from the region are influenced by western mainstream music and America – it feels important to me to push this music on an international level and stage.”

Barbé's soulful music reflects and celebrates the diverse cultural influences of her Indian Ocean heritage. It also is a manifestation of her Afro-Kreol style - a colourful and energetic fusion of tropical island rhythms with African percussion, reggae, pop, rock and Latin flavours.

In 2018, Barbé was again nominated at the West Australian Music Awards for Best World Act, a title she has won many times.

She said the recognition was validation for what they had been working to achieve over the last decade.

Barbé said while it was their first show at the venue, they weren’t new to the South West and were looking forward to seeing the usual support crew.

As for those unfamiliar, with Barbé and her sound, she encouraged new listeners to come along and lose themselves in the music.

“There is always a positive response,” she said.

“People dance, it brings joy and you can feel the rhythm.

“A lot of people say the music reminds them of Latin music, sega – the most popular rhythm in the Indian Ocean islands – is like the Seychelles version of salsa.”

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Grace Barbé will play The Fire Station on Saturday, October 13.

Music starts from 8pm.

Entry is free.