H'Sao
Drawing from gospel, traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots, H’sao display 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. Masterful a capella singing sets them apart on the vast soundscape of World Music. H’sao’s journey begins in their native Chad. Initially the group is made up of the Rimtobaye brothers and sister: Caleb, Mossbass, Taroum and Israel. Their father dubs them Hirondelle (‘swallow’) in honour of the birds that are always searching for higher ground; their first singing is done in the church where he is the pastor. Their first performance outside of church is in 1994 when they take part in the ''Fête de la Musique'', a presentation of the Centre Culturel Français (French cultural center) in N’Djamena. H’sao starts building their fan base at this first of a long string of shows. In 1995 Charles and Service Ledjebgue join the band and with their arrival the group takes on a new name: H’sao—H for hirondelle and Sao in honour of their Chadian ancestors. In October 2000, as part of their first ten-show tour, H’Sao is invited to the Fest’Africa festival in Lille, France. Soon after they record their first demo and buy instruments with the earnings. Until now 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 cappella songs. In March 2001, H’sao’s path takes a nice, new twist when they are selected out of 18 other bands to represent Chad at the ''Jeux de la Francophonie'' to be held Ottawa that year. In July H’sao wins a bronze medal at this large-scale event that gathers the world’s best francophone athletes and artists. In August the band members settle down in Montréal. From then on invitations start pouring in and the gigs just keep coming: Montréal International Jazz Festival, Festival Nuits d’Afrique, Francofolies de Montréal, Festival des Musiques du Monde. Participation in the Bourse RIDEAU and CINARS events bring the band an opportunity to embark on a tour of 70+ shows across Quebec, Canada, and Europe. In June 2003 the band launches their first album, H'sao, at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (Montréal International Jazz Festival). In 2004, H’sao is awarded the Radio-Canada Étoiles Galaxie (Rising Stars) prize as part of the Vitrine de contact Ontarois. In 2008, the band is nominated for a Band of the Year SOBA (Sound of Blackness Award). Since then, H’sao has been all over the Canadian music scene: Francofolies de Montréal opening show; Quebec City’s 400th anniversary celebrations; Governor General Awards gala in Ottawa, where the band shares the stage with the right honourable Michaëlle Jean; Montréal Symphony Orchestra’s Week-end Pop, directed by Guy St-Onge, co-producer of Vol 235, H’sao’s second album. In November 2008, H’sao starts its own label company, Production Ndjam Inc. on which they release Vol 235 the following year (distributed by DEP).
CALEB 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. On stage, he and his guitar really get the party started!.
TAROUM Dancer and singer. Her enchanting voice and unique moves convey the feel, energy and emotion of H’sao’s songs. Her sunny disposition gives a welcome feminine touch to the H’sao vibe.
MOSSBASSS Bassist, co-songwriter, and singer. With his charmingly discreet demeanour, he embodies the H’sao groove. On stage he and his bass are a rhythmic force to be reckoned with.
SERVICE 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 but is by no means the least talented! His voice will touch your heart and his dance moves always get the crowd on its feet. Israel is obsessed with beats; his rhythm and talent always guarantee a one-of-a-kind show.
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.
CONNECTIONS: Montréal International Jazz Festival, Festival Nuits d’Afrique, Francofolies de Montréal, Festival des Musiques du Monde.
LATEST RECORDING: Volume 235 (2009)
