Zap Mama: 'Adventures in Afropea'

Marie Daulne of Zap Mama.

Jurgen Rogiers

Blending native African rhythms with a European pop sensibility, Zap Mama deftly mixes global genres without losing its flair for infectious dance grooves. Led by singer Marie Daulne, whose training in African pygmy music forms the backbone of the group's unique sound, Zap Mama was formed in Belgium in 1990.

Originally performing as an all-female a cappella quintet, Zap Mama released its first album, 1993's Adventures in Afropea, through David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. The group's follow-up, Sabsylma, received a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album in 1994. As the group has developed, its increasing use of electric instrumentation has allowed for hip-hop, jazz and funk influences to make their way into Zap Mama's subsequent releases. The new Supermoon continues to chart new territory, both musically and thematically.