#streamcribbean "Gemini II" by Yoan

The #streamcaribbean chronicles for 2023 continue. After Lorenz and his "Lunatiq" EP (January), Kevni and his "INEVITAB" EP (February), it's time to talk about Yoan's "Gemini II" released at the end of February.

Measured on a Kassav' scale, all the ingredients are there for this album to be the classic on which 2010s will be having a blast doing their weekend housework in a few years' time. What I mean is, Yoan has concocted a masterclass on how to respect the essence of zouk while playing within the limits imposed by the French industry. "Gemini" is in two parts. Part 1, unveiled in June 2021, offered a luminous universe with the common element of a happy love connection staged in a series of musical short films. But like the album cover, which plays on a mirror effect, Yoan explores the darker side of love in this second part.

While "Corda", "Etranjé" and "Dans Ma Tête" evoke the difficulties of communication, "Tu Es Partie", "Assez Joué" and "La Go" (with his son Doylee) touch on break-ups and infidelity. Wandering between kezu, drillified urban pop and konpa, Yoan plays with the musical structure to enhance his soulful R&B vocal technique.

Despite his mastered versatility, classic zouk remains the backbone of the project. In collaboration with Ji Kann', "Evidence" and "Pa Dodo" are all the more symbolic for their focus on the two facets of zouk: love and the desire to be happy.

I must say that Yoan’s situation has always puzzled me. I don't understand why his name has been absent from conversations about contemporary zouk over the last five years. He's part of the first generation of Kassav' heirs who are writing their own chapter in this history without using samples or distorting the musical genre. As a fixture on the Caribbean scene since the 2010s, his concerts in Paris venues have been sold out. His Youtube* and Spotify streams are more than satisfactory for such a low-profile artist. His first two albums "Premier Souffle" (2015) and "O.H.A.N.A" (2018) reflect his R&B roots without betraying his Caribbean culture in either sound or language. Although he sings a lot about romantic love, he also has songs about self-love with spiritual overtones to find courage again in difficult times. We call on him for popular collaborative projects, and I mean popular in the true sense of the word, i.e. projects that enable people to celebrate themselves with joy, dignity and live out cultural transmission... Please, talk more about him.

In conclusion, "Gemini II" confirms Yoan's status as a staple of the early 21st century zouk. While incorporating current trending sounds, his artistic identity remains solid. From butterflies in the stomach to migraines caused by confused feelings, he sings of the complexity and vulnerability required to love others and, above all, to practice self-love. Listen with NO moderation. What's your favorite track on this EP?

* * For example, the 5 music videos for "Gemini I" have accumulated over 5.1 million views on Youtube.