In « Marilyn Malmin: après le zouk, un retour aux sources avec ‘Manzè Bidjin,’ » Lesly-Anne Laviolette (France Info La1ère-Martinique) writes about Marilyn Malmin’s new album, in which the Martinican singer celebrates the traditional sources of her Caribbean musical heritage. Laviolette explains, “Biguine, mazurka, waltz—these are the musical styles woven together in Marilyn Malmin’s new solo album…”
Having long served as a backing vocalist for major names in Caribbean music— such as the group Malavoi— Marilyn Malmin is now opening a new chapter in her career. With her album Manzè Bidjin, the Martinican singer celebrates the traditional sounds of the Caribbean musical heritage.
Biguine, mazurka, waltz—these are the musical styles woven together in Marilyn Malmin’s new solo album. Through this work, she seeks to express her deep connection to the music that shaped her childhood and accompanied her throughout her journey.
After decades of lending her voice to renowned artists, Marilyn Malmin is now stepping fully into the spotlight. Best known for the track “Lanmou toujou pli fo” — considered by many to be a Zouk classic — the singer is now exploring a musical world deeply rooted in Martinican tradition.
A career shaped by the great voices of Caribbean music
The daughter of pianist Maurice Malmin and hailing from a family of musicians, Marilyn Malmin grew up in an environment where music held a central place. She took her first steps in recording studios before gaining recognition with the group Mirage and their hit “Lanmou toujou pli fo.”
Over the years, she has lent her voice to numerous artists, including Tanya St-Val, Jocelyne Béroard, Édith Lefel, and Ralph Thamar. Her career also includes several years spent with the group Malavoi, which she officially joined in 2012. [. . .]
With this new release, Marilyn Malmin returns to traditional sounds—most notably the biguine, which lends its name to the album’s lead single, “Manzè Bidjin.” It is a way of celebrating a musical heritage that continues to endure across generations.
Far from disowning her *zouk* influences, the singer appears to be broadening her artistic horizons by drawing upon the rhythms and melodies that are an integral part of her own history. A musical encounter that invites listeners to discover a different side of a voice well-known to the Caribbean music scene.
Translated by Ivette Romero. For the full original article (in French), see https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/martinique/marilyn-malmin-apres-le-zouk-un-retour-aux-sources-avec-manze-bidjin-1755009.html#072