A music in love with Maloya, emancipated and roaming. In Creole and French, their lyrics rise and rage, seeking beauty in the darkness of the world. For the past decade, Saodaj has been tracing its path betweentradition and modernity, where the alternative rock of saturated strings becomes one with percussive polyrhythms.
With Lodèr la Vi, Saodaj explores new soundscapes: contemporary, committed music that is an ode to transformative births, journeys beyond the beaten track, the living and the dead, with love always at the centre.
Saodaj’s committed poetry deals with fundamental themes such as the thirst for justice, the struggle for freedom, the duty to remember and to pass on. Their musical creation is experienced as a necessity: “It helps us to accept the world as it is offered to us today, with its beauties and uglinesses, without resigning ourselves to fatality.
“You can really see how far they’ve come and the originality of their musical vision. The maloya is still there, of course, but with a multitude of influences—a cohesive band and a charismatic, passionate singer who sweeps everyone along with her.
It’s a melting pot of so many influences! It’s all so generous; there’s a real connection with the audience, and you can feel the band’s sense of unity.”
“A musical experience that blends traditional vibes with contemporary creativity and sweeps you up in a feverish dance. ”
“Deep roots, modern energy: SAODAJ transforms tradition into a vibrant celebration. ”
“An exceptional concert in the magical setting of the Limousis Cave. A moment of grace with a rare group. A delicate musical passion tinged with emotion, which captivated a unanimous audience. Saodaj embodies all of this at once: instruments played with consummate skill, drawing on tradition to better reinvent the present—a masterful balance whose secret lies with them. An obvious chemistry that skillfully takes the audience on a subtle, powerful, and original journey. And in the end, smiles, chills, clapping hands, dancing feet, and sparkling eyes… bravo to the artists! ”
“We were delighted to host Saodaj! It was a successful event, both in terms of the smooth and friendly reception and the stage performance. There was a wonderful shared energy throughout the concert and a clear connection between the artists.”
AUTUMN 2025 NEW ALBUM & RESIDENCY
AUTUMN 2025 + SUMMER 2026 EUROPEAN TOUR
Workshop - Instrument / vocal / writing
Marie LANFROY - Lead Vocal, Bobr', Kayamb, Tarlon
Jonathan ITÉMA - Lead Vocal, Roulèr, Sati-pikèr, Bobr', Morlon, Triangle
Mélanie BADAL - Electric Cello, Vocal
Frederick CIPRIANO - Sati-pikèr, Triangle, Kayamb
Blaise CADENET - Electric Guitar, Percussions
Zélito DELIRON - Percussion, Ethnic flute, Roulèr, Vocal
Olivier Diguet AKA Peak - Sound designer
