Célia of Les Nubians is BlueNefertiti
Célia Faussart a.k.a BlueNefertiti was born in Paris, France on September 27, 1978 to a Cameroonian mother and a French father. Her love for music began as a young girl growing up in Chad. The moment she heard the strong, feminine and “comforting” voice of Ella Fitzgerald unraveling from her tape player… she was hooked. The essence of her vocal styling is founded in the eloquence of Edith Piaf, Miriam Makeba, Abbey Lincoln, and Minnie Ripperton; the sophistication of Joao Gilberto; and the vocal landscaping of Bobby McFerrin.
At age 15, she began singing professionally with her older sister Hélène in Bordeaux, France; later forming the internationally renowned Grammy-nominated singing duo Les Nubians. The band has intrigued audiences for more than a decade with their inventive and glamorous Afropean style. Recognized for their colorful auras, Les Nubians' vogue is a fusion of Funkin' Fashion and Modern Amazon. Their distinctive sound embodies the timeless vibrations of Miriam Makeba, Fela Ransome Kuti, Prince, Tshala Mwana, The Fugees, and Soul II Soul.
Their hit single Makeda propelled the 1999 U.S. debut album to the top of the charts making Princesses Nubiennes [1998 Virgin, FR] the most successful French-language album in decades!
With two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards nominations, Les Nubians were honored with the award for Best New Artist, Group or Duo in 1999. J’veux D’la Musique from their second album One Step Forward [2004 Virgin, FR] earned them a Grammy nomination in 2004. These dynamic entrepreneurs have also been nominated for two NAACP Image Awards.
Part of the acclaimed Red Hot & Riot Collective, Les Nubians blazed the mic with Yerba Buena, Dead Prez, Keziah Jones, John Medeski, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, Ron Blake, Baaba Maal, Manu Dibango, Blackalicious, Tony Allen, Cheikh Lô, and Amadou & Mariam at the Barbican Center, London [2004] and the BAM, Brooklyn, NY [2006] paying tribute to the Afrobeat master Fela Ransome Kuti. “It was an unforgettable experience! Sharing the stage with such a diverse collective of artists… all with one vision… our energy and light reflecting the powerful movement in music and humanity that Fela devoted his life to.” says Célia. In honor of Les Nubians’ beloved mentor, Miriam Makeba, BlueNefertiti represented the duo at MAMA AFRIKA, A Tribute Concert to Miriam Makeba at [Le] Poisson Rouge in New York City - November 2008.
The ladies are honorary members of Respect Magazine [FR] and Ambassadors of Hip Hop Gabao, the Urban Festival of Central Africa, which takes place every year in Libreville, Gabon. Authors of a children's musical, La Ballade d'Ali-Jo, and facilitators of youth workshops and master classes worldwide, Les Nubians tirelessly dedicate their time and experience to education through artistic exchange.
Echos, Chapter One: Nubian Voyager, Poetry and Music from the Urban Edge is the first executive production for Hélène and Célia Faussart. "Everywhere we go, we look for music that speaks of Culture: people, history, stories. Our journeys have given us an opportunity to cross paths with many beautiful souls.”
After 10 years in the business, a myriad of encounters, recordings and awards, Célia is now outwardly expressing her inner workings. a Cabaret style performance project aptly named Paris@Night. This new creation explores the intricate nature of LOVE and the affinitive relationship between Jazz, Funk, Soul, House, Drum'n'Bass, Samba, and Hip Hop. BlueNefertiti’s Paris@Night, a French Cabaret is featured monthly at the Zinc Bar [NYC], and three times per year at [Le] Poisson Rouge [NYC].
Les Nubians continue their journey, igniting the stage with their vibrant presence…AND at last will appease our restless ears with the release of their third album Nü Revolution in the Fall of 2010!!!
GET YOU TICKETS NOW:
BlueNefertiti's "Paris@Night" Grand Finale | Aug 12 2010
Les Nubians CD Release Show | Oct 15 2010
Booking: Angela Bailey [aka Butterphly] ButterflyNetwork@gmail.com
