It might be news to most of you, but New Caledonia, one of the French overseas territories situated in a remote corner of the Pacific Ocean, has a thriving reggae scene. The local Mangrove Productions label now compiled a number of songs from the main protagonists on the island group for 'Knky Reggae'. That title is, of course, a nod to Bob Marley's 'Kinky Reggae', but also refers to the Kanak people, the original inhabitants of New Caledonia. The songs on this compilation, sometimes in French other times in Drehu, unfortunately don't all attain the same level. The organ in opener 'One Love' by Edou, immediately reminded yours truly of the oeuvre of Lucky Dube, and that same goes for Makyhab's 'Tanama'. For 'Hna Ureiye' Seredridr leaned too much on the Vocoder (even though the presence of singjay Small Jam still makes the track somewhat enjoyable). We were most taken with Cada's 'Hie Hen Koi Theen' and Poin Mou Dja's 'Prayer', the only English song in the track list.
One of the names on 'Knky Reggae' is Kass Pa, a band from Hienghène on Grande Terre, who with 'K-lédonienne... Yagga', following 2009's 'Espoir' and 2012's 'Attitude Yagga', have now released a third long player for which they joined forces with Solomon Islands producer DJ Liamz. Top tunes: the eco-anthem 'Soldat Vert', the reality tune 'Les Guerres' and the upbeat ska-song 'RDV Pour Un Taf' about the struggle for a decent job.