Sophye Soliveau is a singer, harpist, and choir director. Originally from the Caribbean island Guadeloupe, she studied music at a conservatory studying classical music. Growing up, she was exposed to music from her family. The gwo ka, a form of music played by a hand drum (the is of Antillean Creole origin), was a particular favorite of her father’s, and her brothers were huge fans of R&B. She was absorbed in the work of contemporary jazz singers Rachelle Ferrell and Bobby McFerrin, as well as French guitarist/composer Francis Poulenc. From these varied influences, she crafted her sound of deeply personal soul.

Sophye was formerly a member of Afro-Caribbean groove group Ábàjade. She’s subsequently gone solo, releasing her debut, Initiation, earlier this year. She is the director for the Maré Mananga and Oshun in Paris.