15 years of music, 35 years of career for Orlane Jadfard
Invited by the hotel “La maison Marceau” as part of their carnival tour, Orlane Jadfard and her group Pa Gain Nom are celebrating two anniversaries: 15 years for the group and 35 years of career for their leader. A look back at their journey and their ambitions.
This Thursday, January 23, under the lights of the Marceau hotel, the rhythms of “Pa Gain Nom” have warmed upwarmed up the atmosphere of the carnival tour. Led by Orlane Jadfard, the only female conductor in the Caribbean, she says, the group celebrates its 15 ans d’existencewhile Orlane marks 35 years of musical career in Guyana. Alongside them, guitarist Francis Nugent and pianist Thierry Blass shared their memories and their vision of a collective musical adventure that has lasted for more than a decade.
Founded in 2010, “Pa Gain Nom” was born from friendship and a shared passion for music. “At the start, it was a group of friends from different orchestras in Guyana,” explains Orlane Jadfard. “We started at Moonlight, and 15 years later, we’re still here. »
This longevity is based on true solidarity between members. Francis Nugent, guitarist and right-hand man of Orlane, confides:
What unites us is the spirit of cohesion, sharing, and the desire to please. We are invested with a mission: to transmit Guyanese culture through music.
For Thierry Blass, pianist of the group, memories abound: “What I remember is the osmosis that we created together. We are a group of friends with the same passion. »
With a 35-year career, Orlane Jadfard is a pioneer in the Guyanese and Caribbean musical world.
I am the first female conductor to have lasted in this field, and that is no small thing. Being a woman in a man's world is a constant challenge, but I am proud of my journey.
Orlane also looks back on her beginnings: “I started in 1986 with Cornélia Birba, then I joined different groups before founding “Pa Gain Nom”. Each step has allowed me to learn and improve to become the leader I am today. »
She takes on her role as conductor with determination:
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Restructuring “Pa Gain Nom” was one of my biggest challenges. We had to stabilize the team and find the right musicians to carry our vision. Today we are proud of what we have accomplished
Carnival remains a key period for the group, and this year, Orlane wanted to go even further. “Since 2012, I have taken “Pa Gain Nom” to all the coastal towns, but this year, I tackled landlocked towns, like Saül, where there had never been a carnival. »
This audacious project required the help of partners such as the Territorial Community of Guyana and the Department of Cultural Affairs. “It was a crazy challenge, but we met it successfully. Playing Saül set in the heart of Guyana for the first time was an incredible experience. »
Despite three decades of career, Orlane remains motivated. “I still have dreams, like playing at the Olympia or taking my music to Africa and America. At 54, I think I still have a lot to say and share. »
This ambition is supported by his group, as Thierry Blass points out:
Orlane is a natural leader, demanding but fair. She supervises the group brilliantly, and that pushes us to surpass ourselves.
With 15 years for the group and 35 years for its leader, “Pa Gain Nom”embodies the passion and respect for Guyanese musical traditions. Orlane concludes: “I hope to inspire the younger generation. The road is long, but with intolerance and respect, anything is possible. »
For Francis Nugent, the impact is already there: “Seeing people emerge thanks to our example is a source of great pride. » As for Thierry Blass, he sums up the adventure in a few words: “The music of “Pa Gain Nom” spans the years and remains as vibrant as ever. »
