Musical Duo Okali Releases Debut EP, Blending African and Western Sounds
Musical duo Okali, featuring Cameroonian vocalist Gaëlle Minali-Bella and French multi-instrumentalist Florent Sorin, has officially released their debut EP this month. The project marks a significant milestone in their artistic journey, showcasing a combination of influences from their respective cultures and years of musical experimentation.
Minali-Bella, who moved from Cameroon to France at the age of 12, describes this EP as a heartfelt reconnection to her African heritage. The name “Okali” translates to “pay attention to others,” a phrase that resonates deeply with the duo’s philosophy. “It’s the name I held onto until I was adopted, and it feels like it’s coming back to life now,” she notes.
In their EP, Minali-Bella takes the lead with vocals in English, French, and Eton—her native dialect from the Beti ethnic group. Alongside her, Sorin crafts intricate beats that intertwine African musical traditions with elements of trip hop and dub. This unique fusion reflects their shared desire to bridge the gaps between cultures.
Minali-Bella recalls her childhood in Cameroon, where music was an integral part of her daily life. However, after moving to France, she gradually lost touch with Eton. It wasn’t until she began creating music that she found herself rediscovering the language and her roots. “Music played a pivotal role in helping me reconnect with my dialect, my origins, and all the memories of my childhood,” she explained.
The artist shared that her choice to sing in multiple languages came naturally. “It reflects the different emotions I express in each language. Singing in Eton feels different than in French or English, but that’s the beauty of blending cultures,” Minali-Bella stated.
Sorin, for his part, draws inspiration from the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat and Jamaican reggae. His travels to Africa, particularly Cameroon, left a profound impression on him, prompting him to explore the rich tapestry of sounds from the region. Together, Okali’s inspirations extend across various genres, from the trip hop of Massive Attack to the experimental artistry of Björk, as well as influences from Radiohead and Cameroonian legend Manu Dibango.
This summer, the duo will embark on a tour across France and Switzerland. Minali-Bella warned audiences not to expect a carbon copy of their album during live performances. “We thrive on creativity and love exploring our interpretations on stage. While the recordings capture a moment in time, our live shows allow us to push boundaries and experiment,” she explained.
Fans can anticipate a different experience with each performance, as Minali-Bella often varies her vocal interpretations and structures. “That’s what excites me the most about live music—it keeps evolving,” she added.
As they embark on this musical adventure, Okali represents not just a blending of sounds but a reunion of identities. Through their music, they invite listeners to experience a rich tapestry woven from the threads of their diverse backgrounds, ultimately celebrating the power of music to transcend cultural divides.
Their debut EP promises to resonate with anyone who has ever searched for their roots, making Okali’s work not only engaging but also profoundly relatable.
— Reported by Nexio News
