Pixvae continues to evolve in its ongoing quest to strike a balance between currulao and Lyon’s underground scene. The name of this new explosion, “Oì Vé,” sounds like an invitation. It resonates from Cali to Lyon, connecting these two musical worlds.

At the crossroads of Africa, the Atlantic, and the Pacific, Romain Dugelay remains the driving force behind the project. Since the early days of this transcontinental journey, he has been composing musical maps. These combine territories and offer new perspectives.

Faithful to the tradition of hybridization in black meta-continent music, Dugelay builds this new repertoire around the Chonta Marimba. It is the central instrument of currulao.

Romain is joined by his long-time accomplices Léo Dumont (drums) and Damien Cluzel (guitar) from the power trio Kouma. His saxophone and keyboards reunite with Juan Carlos Arrechea’s marimba. This collaboration began during the 2017 Kaixu tour. Israel Quinones, who appeared on Cali in 2019, also joins the group.

Léo Dumont is determined to push the rhythmic and sonic limits of his instrument. He blends jazz and rock influences. Israel Quinones collaborates with cantadora Jennifer “Xiomora” Torres, who also returns from Cali. The Colombian team leads the melodic work, offering original texts for a modern interpretation of traditional themes.

New Creation 2025/26: El Bacaneao

With El Bacaneao, their fourth album, Pixvae continues blending Afro-Colombian currulao with Lyon’s underground scene. This new opus follows their past works. It marks a turning point with the return to a sextet format, delivering a more compact and powerful sound.

Under Romain Dugelay’s direction, the band crafts a composition that blends cultural heritage with contemporary influences. Léo Dumont (drums) and Damien Cluzel (guitar) lay a solid rhythmic foundation. Juan Carlos Arrechea (marimba, percussion), Israel Quinones (percussion, vocals), and Xiomara Torres (vocals) enrich this transcontinental collaboration.