Latest news with #French-Caribbean
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
French-Caribbean musician David Walters performed from his latest album, ‘Soul Tropical' on his debut India Tour
Braving the precariousness of the stage is the litmus test every singer must take to transition into a performer. And, David Walters passes with flying colours. The French-Caribbean musician, who concluded his first India tour last week, displayed an impressive hold on a full house at Delhi's The Piano Man. Navigating a tightly packed, vertically dense venue, which already had the audience tapping their feet, he went on to take the engagement with his music several notches higher. Walters was performing from his latest album 'Soul Tropical', a masterclass in how seemingly different genres can come together to create music that is both soulful and yet peppy enough to shake a leg to. 'It is music to heal and my most danceable music yet,' says Walters in an email conversation. 'Dance helps us heal, it cares for us and uplifts us, just like music. They are not opposed but complementary,' says the musician, known for creating genre-blending sounds — from Broken Beat to Nu-Jazz and Lounge – in his electro-jazz collective Zimpala that he founded in the 2000s. The nearly lyrics-free composition, bolstered with the keyboards and guitar riffs, and the beats of the drums and congos seamlessly merged to erupt in a composition celebrating Caribbean culture. 'Life in all its forms' is the musician's muse. 'What inspires me is what I experience and my deep inspirations come from my emotions. They are numerous and infinite,' he says. As a dancing Walters swayed, his audience vindicated the universality of music with a sky illuminated with phone lights. 'I like to leave as much space for music as for words. But not everything is said with words alone. We must also be able to share silence and choruses,' he says. Walters began his career as a DJ, something that not only gave him a deep understanding of the sounds of different kinds of music but also the confidence of a performer. He then went on to become a hip-hop beatmaker, followed by training in percussion, singing, and finally, the guitar – all aimed towards achieving what he calls a 'harmonic understanding'. A lover of 'traditional music in its purest form', understanding the DNA of classical music is crucial to him. Revisiting classical music, he believes, keeps it relevant for the youth but he also believes that remixes are a reflection of an era, 'a bit like an archive'. 'We can't avoid remixes because they allow the new generation to discover a colour that fades over time. Certain remixes have introduced me to traditional artists, and I've discovered superb producers thanks to traditional music,' he says. Walters is also an advocate of collaborations between musicians. He feels they facilitate accessibility to different musical traditions and cultures. His most popular collaborations are with Nigerian artistes Seun Kuti and Keziah Jones, Brazilian singer Flavia Coelho, and French pianist Arthur H among others. A few years ago, he also teamed up with the Indian folk band, Rajasthani Roots. 'We have similar rhythmic keys. The ideas came naturally and flowed like a river. It remains one of my most beautiful live music collaborations,' he says. No wonder Walters is back in India, this time, on a full-fledged tour. Besides performing across cities, he worked on new collaborations with local musicians in Bengaluru, Kolkata and Jaipur. 'We revisited part of my repertoire with the Indian traditional flavour. I have deep respect for the meaning, depth and learning of Indian classical music,' he adds.
New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Mu-synch for the soul
It is a known factor that the universal language of music knows no bounds – bridging cultures and connecting people from all walks of life. Known for blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms with funk and global grooves, French-Caribbean musician David Walters is an example of this phenomenon, of creating music which resonates with audience from diverse backgrounds. He recently brought it to the city as part of the Fête de la Musique festival, held at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore on Friday, as a part of his Indian tour. 'I was surprised to receive such a warm welcome from an audience that barely knows me, an audience of all ages, from children as young as three years old to those in their 80s, 20s, and entire families. These are real encounters with the audience – baths of joy,' he shares. For Walters, music is a deeply emotional process. 'What inspires me is what I experience. I draw from lived experiences – moments of love, loss, melancholy, joy, and rebirth. My deepest inspirations come from these emotions – they are numerous and infinite,' he shares. This philosophy is reflected in his aim – to bring along and blend global influences in music. 'Caribbean rhythms are naturally part of me – they are in my DNA – and when I combine them with global influences, like Indian folk or soul from the '70s, it becomes a fusion of emotions and experiences,' Walters notes. Collaboration and cultural exchange are central to Walters' process. 'I've worked with artistes like Seun Kuti, Flavia Coelho, Keziah Jones, and many others – all born out of real human encounters,' he says. His recent collaboration with Indian classical musicians, including Rajasthan Roots, has been a revelation. 'Indian music carries immense depth, tradition, and learning. Working with them has taken me out of my comfort zone in the best way,' he adds. For Walters, live performance is more than just entertainment; it's a way to heal and connect with others. 'Music for me is more than sound; it's a space of expression and healing. And dance helps us heal, it cares and uplifts us – just like music. They are not opposed but complementary,' he emphasises, adding, 'Also, I like to leave space for the musicians I play with to express themselves. The voice may be the first instrument, but I believe that instruments, silence, and emotion also speak deeply. That honesty on stage is what allows for a real connection.' Currently touring around the nation with an aim to engage in intimate musical residencies with local folk musicians, Walters hints at potential collaborations with more Indian musicians. 'I do hope to stay longer in India someday to record with Indian musicians – there's a soulful connection between India and the Caribbean, not just musically but culturally too, especially considering the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean since colonial times,' he concludes.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
David Walters to perform in Bengaluru on June 27
French-Caribbean artist David Walters will electrify Bengaluru with his genre-blending 'Soul Tropical' sound at the Alliance Française de Bangalore in Vasanth Nagar on Friday at 7.30 p.m. Part of his India tour for Fête de la Musique, Walters infuses Afro-Caribbean beats with soul, funk, and global grooves. His latest album celebrates heritage, healing, and joy through music, featuring collaborations with artists from across the world. The Bengaluru concert will feature two local musicians, following the huge success of the city's Fête de la Musique.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
David Walters performs lights up Chandigarh with soul tropical rhythms
The Tagore Theatre resonated with infectious energy and global rhythms as French-Caribbean artist David Walters captivated the audience during a rousing live performance recently in Chandigarh. The Chandigarh leg of Walters' Soul Tropical India tour was held as part of the worldwide Fête de la Musique celebrations, presented by the French Institute in India and Alliance Française. The evening unfolded into an immersive musical experience blending Afro-Caribbean roots, soul, funk, and global grooves. From pulsating percussion to melodic storytelling, Walters and his band delivered a powerful performance that echoed his message of joy, resilience, and cultural connection. Chandigarh's concert marked one of several stops on the India tour, with Walters set to bring his signature sound to other cities including New Delhi, Bhopal, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Jaipur. The concert was free and open to all, aligning with the spirit of Fête de la Musique — a global celebration that makes music accessible to everyone.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
French-Caribbean artist David Walters to perform in city
An exclusive concert by French musician David Walters, 'Trio' is scheduled to be held in Chandigarh as part of his Soul Tropical tour. He would be performing at Tagore Theatre on June 19 and has no entry charges. French-Caribbean musician David will bring this musical journey to city, blending Afro-Caribbean roots, soul, funk, and global grooves. This celebration of music, culture, and connection arrives as part of the international Fête de la Musique festival, observed every June across the world. Presented by the French Institute in India and the Alliance Française network in India, this tour has electrifying performances in other cities as well, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Jaipur. Walters, known for his genre-defying sonic palette and powerful stage presence, brings a deep emotional resonance to his performances. His latest album, Soul Tropical, is both a personal homage to his Caribbean heritage and a universal ode to joy and resilience. It features acclaimed collaborations with artists like Mario Canonge, BallakéSissoko, Flavia Coelho, and Captain Planet, weaving together sounds from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Cuba, Brazil, and Africa — all filtered through the vibrant energy of Marseille, Paris, Sheffield, and Los Angeles. 'This isn't just music to listen to — it's music to feel, to move to, to heal with,' says Walters. 'Soul Tropical is about dancing through grief, reconnecting with family, and finding joy in shared rhythms.'
