Summer 2024 is undoubtedly the coronation season for Roshâni, the dancing electro duo with Latin and Oriental inspirations formed by Geneva’s Roxane Dumont, on vocals and guitar, and Inès Mouzoune, on synth and bass. The musicians are on the bill at the biggest French-speaking festivals – Montreux Jazz (July 17), Les Georges (July 18) and Paléo (July 27) – but also present at more confidential events, Pod’Ring in Bienne ( July 13) or Hors Tribu in Môtiers (August 8). “I didn’t think it would start so strong, it was unexpected,” breathes Inès Mouzoune, 25 years old. And for good reason: the Roshâni project was born only a year and a half ago.
A very first concert in January 2023, the release of the single Queens in March, then a few dates, including at the Usine and at the Les Créatives festival in the fall. “Our first scenes were real challenges,” remembers Roxane Dumont, 28 years old. Then at Cully Jazz in April 2024, the duo performed in three one-hour sets in the cellar chamber, accompanied by Yavor Lilov on drums. “It was great,” Roxane continues, “although a little too long,” she laughs. “The Cully Jazz was a turning point,” adds Inès. A turning point, the beginnings of success.
Roshâni is offered dates that many artists dream of.
“Paleo is a consecration. When we were offered to play there on Saturday under the Club Tent, I was afraid that the programming team would realize that they were wrong, says Roxane and her slight imposture syndrome. These opportunities really boost us.”
The meeting of two passionate musicians
For the ambitious Inès, even if it means thinking big, the consecration would be to share the stage with one of her idols, like Burna Boy. Music is her whole life: thanks to her mother, a music theory teacher, she began musical training at the Conservatory at the age of 6, with classical piano and clarinet, then turned to jazz and followed the professional music career path. ‘AMR with piano, electric bass and double bass. In 2019, she co-founded her first musical project, the electro trio Amami. “We did big festivals, that’s where I learned the basics of business,” underlines the arranger and producer who collaborates with other artists like Baby Volcano and Sami Galbi.
For her part, the child of a family of music lovers, Roxane began playing classical guitar at the age of 8 at the Conservatory. “It was terrible and my parents didn’t want me to stop,” the young woman comments with humor. Then my father had a mid-life crisis and brought my older sister, on drums, and me, on bass, into a rock band: Sotano. We played concerts at friends’ houses and at events.” Roxane does not give up her first instrument however and continues with the flamenco guitar. “Then we swapped our father for our neighbor,” she continues, “and we founded the Floxs, a Spanish festive music group.”
The young woman turned away from music for a while, because her studies of statistics were demanding, even if today they represented an escape route from the emotional roller coaster that sound and the stage gave her. She is also defending her doctoral thesis in epidemiology this summer. In 2022, she aspires to new horizons. She spots Inès, whom she knows a little by sight, and suggests a meeting. Roshâni is born, under a pretty name which means “luminous” in Farsi, Roxane’s mother tongue. “My mother is Iranian. She was the one who gave us the idea,” she explains with a touch of tenderness.
Oriental sounds meet electro
The members of Roshâni describe their musical encounter as “natural”. Inès is already well established in the game, while Roxane takes up the electric guitar for the first time for the occasion. The artists pool their musical tastes, and it clicks, even if their duo is constantly evolving.
“We are different, but complementary,” says Inès. We make psychedelic electro which is not accidental, an organic, dense, tropical sound. Basically dance music with big bass.”
She illustrates her jargon: “We like Bomba Estéreo, but also trap, dub. We are inspired by what we listen to.” “Like traditional oriental music, a little kitsch,” adds Roxane. “Yes, we grew up here, but we transcribe echoes of home,” explains Inès, of Bulgarian and Moroccan Berber blood.
The words are from Roxane’s pen. She sings her songs in French, Spanish and Farsi. “I like the idea of speaking several languages. Each one tells something different. Farsi is an original choice, it’s a very beautiful language that we don’t hear much in Switzerland and I’m proud to highlight it.”
And what narratives do these words create? “Stories that we live every day,” says Roxane.
“Our first track Queens is a feminist anthem that targets all those who question our abilities, continues Inès. We do not present ourselves as activists, but our committed message comes through representation, the example of two young musicians on stage.
“This piece was written for our friends, our mothers, our sisters,” continues Roxane. And the songs in Farsi tell of my connection with Iran, with my grandmother.”
Soul of Dancean EP to dance this summer
After Queens which seduced the French-speaking waves, Roshâni returns for a “second season” on June 26, 2024 with a first EP entitled Soul of Dance. Six tracks produced in collaboration with Yavor Lilov, member of the group L’Éclair, under the new label Stone Pixels Records. The tracklist celebrates love, ancestors and even independence in three languages, colored with a mosaic of musical styles.
“This EP is us in six pieces,” announces Roxane. Like one of our days, with its up and down. Sola et Soul of Dance form the festive dance part.”
“Comes next Spring, our favorite track. Persian rock, psychedelic, more tortured,” adds Inès. The duo is also working on a video to be released in early July 2024 to accompany it: an animated clip illustrated by Indira Gómez and based on a photo report by Roxane in Iran. “Donya Do Roozeh, our second single released in February, it’s our football stadium song, continues Inès, laughing. Afterwards Bolerothe piece drama of love – the only one in French, more pop, and Roshâni closes the EP, a very cinematic ballad which has nothing to do with the other titles,” comments the musician.
To finish their eclectic EP, Inès, Roxane and Yavor have chosen Festi’neuch, in June 2024. A first experience of a major festival that meets their expectations. “Definitely a victory. We were scared because Meryl was playing at the same time as us, says Roxane, in fact I would have liked to see her… But the people were there and super hot! In concert, we give everything we can offer to the public.” “It’s a lot of luck, work and timing,” adds Inès, who was not able to rehearse with her acolytes since she is filming at the same time with Baby Volcano. “Inès plays on three synths at the same time, it’s very difficult,” comments Roxane. I have the microphone, but the texture of the sound falls on his shoulders.
Accomplices beyond the stage
Inès adds: “These are the concerts that will lead our career with Roshâni.” The musicians emphasize the importance of being well surrounded. “Our label team supports us enormously and passes on their knowledge to us,” continues the keyboardist.
“If we don’t have good financial conditions, if we spend most of the time doing administration, logistics and organization, we continue to believe in it because we know that we can count on each other,” she replies, giving her friend a knowing look.
“I love working with Roxane. Always positive and caring, she brings light to my thoughts.” “And Inès is the best musician I know,” retorts Roxane, touched. Beyond work and a shared passion for music, friendship is certainly one of the key ingredients in the recipe for success of this brilliant Geneva duo.
