French musicians perform in Chennai

The Froggy Frenchy Festival saw musicians from France touring the country.
And, in Chennai recently, the musicians, who received a warm reception, were all praise for the city. “The city is brimming with energy. Life is out on the streets and, when you look into the eyes of the people, you feel they are more aware about life, God and the spiritual realm.Although there is so much chaos, it’s an organised kind of chaos,” says jazz saxophonist Pierrick Rossi.
The concert brought together jazz, reggae and contemporary French pop music in a blend that’s rare and refreshing. But ask them why the festival has a name that’s racially derogatory to the French people and Anatole steps in to clarify: “For a lot of people, Froggie is a term that refers to the French people, but it’s more of a joke than a derogatory term,” he says, “The English call us ‘frogs’ and we call them ‘roast beef,’” he laughs.
Many of the songs that the group plays, are written by Anatole, who prefers to write in English.
“I love my own language but I don’t want to sound clichéd. I find it easier to write lyrics in English,” he says, adding, “I write songs because I want to tell stories, most of them are my own. I write about passion, love, life...; I keep my lyrics simple but I convey a strong point.” Inspired by soul singers like Marvin Gaye, Anatole says that a song written for his mother, titled Mama, is one that is close to his heart. “In the song, I thank her for giving me life. The other song that means a lot to me is Sing Like A Bird that talks about music that feeds my soul and is the reason why I live.”
Speaking about their desi connect, Marine Futin, a pop musician says, “Back in France, we are exposed to Rajasthani and Punjabi cultures. However, in pubs, we only get to hear Indian remixes with a strong Punjabi influence. Other than that, there’s not much of India that we know.”
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