maloya
what it is
Maloya is a popular music genre on Réunion, originated in slave communities. Banned until the sixties due to its strong association with Creole culture and political engagement, it is now one of the two major folk genres on the island. It is usually described as based on a call and response structure, and uses traditional instruments like roulé, Kayamb, piké and bobre.
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questions
What is maloya?
Maloya is a popular music genre on Réunion, originated in slave communities. Banned until the sixties due to its strong association with Creole culture and political engagement, it is now one of the two major folk genres on the island. It is usually described as based on a call and response structure, and uses traditional instruments like roulé, Kayamb, piké and bobre.
What are good maloya albums to start with?
Try Rimayer by Ziskakan, Maligasé by Trans Kabar, Aou Amwin by Danyèl Waro, and Rest' là maloya (Hommage à Alain Péters) by Loy Ehrlich, Joël Gonthier, René Lacaille, Bernard Marka, Tikok Vellaye, Danyel Waro.
Who are some women making maloya?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/maloya/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making maloya, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-22