Welcome to 2026, to a world that is drifting away, but where thankfully, sources of joy, happiness, and resilience still exist. Music is one of them, and we are proud to continue our sacred mission. Every Sunday (or almost), you receive new handcrafted playlists, made with care and love by passionate people. A humble yet determined act to resist gloom and spread joy, happiness, and good vibes…
Today, Tribeqa is helping us fill our basket. Tribeqa’s music is a fusion of styles, open to influences from all over the world, conveying an irresistible groove, uplifting rhythms, and an inspiring sense of hospitality. Since their first albums, the musicians have come and gone, always with the desire to share good times and celebrate life. Their latest release is no exception to this tradition. Tribeqa remains the perfect band to keep your mind open and your spirits high!
Tribeqa’s selection
Mah Kouyaté - Soumba
Josselin: ” Mah Kouyate, part of my encounter with Africa, a great singer (griot) who plays Sumu music (very often present in parties and weddings in Burkina Faso/Mali/Ivory Coast…), tranquil pieces that give way to the singer who talks about the life of African families, the search for texture of sound is uninhibited, I love it! “
The Roots - Distortion To Static
Josselin: ” One of the first groups to play hip hop culture with acoustic instruments. A landmark album in the history of these groove aesthetics, and a team of great musicians whose other projects I’ve followed ever since. “
Julien Lourau - Tu Mi Turbi
Josselin: ” Julien Lourau, a jazz saxophonist I met in a masterclass, introduced me to Magic Malic and made me realize that it was “allowed” to play groove jazz like that back then. The track “Tu Mi Turbi” on the magnificent album *The Rise* was more jazz than the Groove Gang days, and it’s one of the first tracks we played at the very beginning of Tribeqa (I know it by heart…). “
Curator’s selection
Tribeqa - Family
Anto: ” This balafon is a distinctive feature of Tribeqa’s music, which I particularly love. Its sound naturally sympathetic to me; each note resonates with a wonderful gentleness (are there any heavy metal songs with a balafon? If you know of any, send us a message, we’d love to hear them!). When this balafon is accompanied by talented musicians and singers, it invariably creates a kind of deliciously tasty magic. This is the case with this track, which evokes the simple pleasure of being surrounded by those we love, and which, for me, has the effect of a ray of sunshine on the face in the middle of winter. “
Flea - A Plea
Anto: ” Okay, we love gentleness, but Flea shows us here that it can blend perfectly with the intensity of a powerful message, one that doesn’t shy away from the world’s problems, that loudly proclaims our desire to spread love rather than hate. When we talk about sharing good vibes, we’re talking about stances that certainly don’t solve everything, but that definitely have a snowball effect. Resistance begins here, when we stand united and in solidarity, determined to reject the unacceptable. Big up to the artists for giving us such beautiful munitions. “
Max Cilla - La Flute Des Mornes
Anto: ” And now, a detour to the French Antilles with another instrument synonymous with softness and lightness: the flute. Here, it’s not just any flute, a traditional Martinican instrument the flute from the hills, made entirely of bamboo, who looks like a transverse flute. It is played with virtuosity by the man who has helped give it an aura that extends far beyond the borders of his native island. The accompanying percussion and bass provide a setting in which it joyfully walks, with a contagious carefree spirit. “
Tribeqa - Up & Down
Anto: ” I simply had to include this Tribeqa track in this playlist. It’s from an album I’ve listened to countless times. I think it’s the epitome of the blend between tradition and modernity. There are sounds that transport us to a distant continent, but also precise scratches that bring us back to a familiar environment, brass instruments that accompany everything with a certain good-natured charm, a dreamy guitar, a bass that provides a reassuring framework, and even little whistles that evoke joy… There are highs and lows, but ultimately, this melody draws us into dancing and joy. ”
That’s all for today, folks. Thanks to Tribeqa for playing along. Thanks also to Noémie for the illustration, and Happy New Year to everyone (yes, it’s still not too late!).
