Tryo

Originating in France toward the end of the 1990s, Tryo distinguished itself through an energetic fusion of acoustic-rooted reggae that intertwined political messages with moments of celebration. The ensemble, anchored by three robust vocalists and a distinctive sonic identity, ascended the French charts to claim the top position with its fourth studio release, Ce que l'on sème, in 2008. Sustained popularity marked the following decade, evidenced by another chart-topping effort with Ladilafé in 2012 and a 25th-anniversary milestone captured on XXV ans in 2020.

The band coalesced in 1995 when ex-M'Panada participants Manu Eveno (known simply as Manu) and Cyril Celestin (known as Guizmo) united with Christophe Mali (identified by his surname alone). Their layered vocal harmonies and acoustic reggae songcraft soon incorporated percussionist Daniel Bravo (known as Danielito), after which the group honed its presence through appearances at regional festivals and steady audience growth. Tryo issued its first album, Mamagubida, in 1998; the title was formed by combining the opening syllables of each member’s name together with that of manager Sebastien “Bibou” Pujol.

On later recordings such as Faut Qu'lls S'Activent in 2000 and Grain de Sable in 2003, the musicians refined their signature blend of jubilant yet occasionally incendiary reggae while incorporating excursions into funk, folk, and pop. The 2004 live set De Bouches a Oreilles documented their dynamic stage presence at the Olympia Theatre in Paris. Ce que l'on sème, the fourth studio album, reached number one on the French charts in 2008. After issuing the second concert album Sous les Etoiles, Tryo returned to the summit with Ladilafé in 2012. Two further studio projects, Né quelque part in 2014 and Vent debout in 2016, arrived in rapid succession, followed by XXV ans in 2020 to mark the band’s quarter-century. Following the 2021 release Chants de bataille, Manu declared his exit from Tryo.