Zamballarana are a group of young enthusiasts from Pigna, an idyllic little town in the mountains of Western Corsica, the wild and mysterious “Island of Beauty”. Founded in 1997 by Jérome Casalonga, the band gives the traditional island sounds a global touch, mixing them with other contemporary and mediterranean musical forms. The blend of archaic male polyphony with elements of jazz, oriental and latin music as well as the innovative way of playing traditional Corsican instruments such as the 16-string Cetrea, the drum Colombu and the flute Pivana result in a hot and danceable mix of styles which raises the unique Corsican musical tradition to global standards. The humorous lyrics by Jérome Casalonga, François Mattei and Ghiacumu Thiers tell stories about life as it is – in the form of sentimental love ballads as well as sharp satires on modern society.

Line Up
Laurent Barbolosi – vocals, violin, trumpet, tres, banjo / Jérôme Casalonga – composition, lyrics, vocals, soprano sax, cueca, darbuka / Eric Ferrari – bass
Anton’ Giulio Galeandro – accordion / Vincent Geraldi – drums, balafon
Jaques Nobili – composition, arrangements, trombone