H’SAO 

… a blend of musical styles with a joyous appreciation of African rhythms!

Saturday, March 29
8:00PM
Christ Church Cathedral
420 Sparks Street (at Bronson)

Passionate, powerful and ardent – the songs and dances interpreted by the members of H’Sao will cast a spell on their audience.

Originally from Chad, now based in Montreal, siblings Caleb, Mossbass, Israel, Taroum Rimtobaye and their childhood friends, Charles and Service Ledjebgue embody a blend of cultures and influences. Virtuoso singers with amazing a cappella renditions, these young singers take their inspiration from the traditional music of over 120 African ethnicities. Gospel, soul, jazz, dance and modern influences also blend happily with a joyous appreciation of African rhythms to provide H’Sao’s art with an unmistakably contemporary sound. It is a magnetic appeal that makes a H’Sao performance refreshing, moving and full of contagious energy! …energy, charisma and talent – a feast for the eyes and ears!

Multilingual, H’Sao carefully chooses texts for songs which invite the audience into their world, singing about their native land (Chad), love, respect, and about their new lives in Canada – in English, French, Arabic, Sara or Kablaye. Members of the group have voices that are clear, tuneful and powerful. H’Sao’s boundless energy comes across best on stage. Their most striking feature lies in the stellar harmony of their voices and the charming complicity among the performers. In fact, H’Sao’s concerts never seem to last long enough.

With the music, the spectacular singing and the dancing combined, this group is irresistible in live shows.

Tickets range from $25 -$40; Students $15.00.  Call 613-567-1787

Part of the proceeds of this concert will be donated to the SICKLE CELL DISEASE PARENTS’ SUPPORT GROUP

H’SAO: A Family; A Band
…drawing inspiration from the traditions of their country of origin and neighbouring African ethnic regions.

The Rimtobayes - Caleb, Mossbass, Israel and Taroum - first sang under the name Hirondelle (Swallow) in reference to the fearlessness of this bird which seeks to fly above the highest peaks. In 1994, Hirondelle was invited to participate in a musical festival organized by the French Cultural Centre in Chad’s capital, N’djamena. This show triggered a long series of public performances with the group showing off its burgeoning talent and developing the now remarkable stage presence. Hirondelle was then invited to tour with the Aphaldi caravan with the singer Chantal Ahyssi from Cameroon.

In 1995, brothers Charles and Service Ledjebgue joined the group, which then took the name H'Sao (pronounced “hush sow”), meaning “The Swallow of Tradition”. In October 2000, H'Sao was invited to the Fest’ Africa, at Pas-de-Calais in France. Here the group recorded its first demo. The following year, H'Sao was selected to represent Chad in the artistic component of the Francophonie Games in Ottawa. This event is an assembly of the top talents in sports and culture in the francophone worldwide community. H’Sao won a bronze medal in its category.

A delighted Caleb recalls this first success: “It was unimaginable, all the things that were happening to us. In Chad, being an artist is considered a minor trade. So, the fact that our music has been recognized internationally is a great accomplishment! One of our biggest challenges as a group is to restore hope to young people in Chad, whose lives are undermined by constant wars. We want to prove to some of them that they can follow in our footsteps and, to others, that they can be touched by our music.”
The same year, the group settled in Montreal. At this stage, their musical instruments being rudimentary, H’Sao made use of their vocal skills to compose music and develop arrangements to be later transposed for varied instrumentation. This groundwork laid a solid foundation for fine-tuning what is now an H’Sao trademark - stunning a cappella versions, perfectly rendered.
In fact, since winning audiences at the Francophone games, the group has toured extensively with over 200 concerts at festivals in Canada, North America, Africa, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and the Caribbean in just six years!
With its first release on Quebecois label, Mille-Pattes (Bottine Souriante), launched at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2003, H’Sao has evolved into a refreshing and spectacular act renowned for filling concert halls all over the world.

What some critics have said:
… a young talented group you absolutely have to hear!
La Presse

I’m always pleasantly surprised when I see maturity in twenty-something artists. H’Sao exudes maturity in its professionalism and depth.
Journal Voir, Montréal

H'Sao set themselves apart by the finesse of their vocal artistry, the beauty of their melodies, their detailed arrangements and diverse rhythms …
Journal de Mont-Laurier

H’Sao’s lead singer got the fans on their feet and singing while the rhythmic drum masters got the crowd clapping as one.
The lads and lass from Chad sang of hope, joy and love, earning a much deserved standing ovation.
Taranaki Daily News, New Zealand

Such energy, charisma and talent; whether young or old, everyone danced and enjoyed themselves tremendously. The members of this group gave the audience quite a show with their energetic moves and colourful musical performance. It was truly a feast for the eyes and ears.
Journal de Mont-Laurier