[Joyeuses fêtes] In Aix, Gospel For You Family revisits religious singing

The first notes are powerful. As soon as the voices of the Gospel for You Family quartet were raised on the Cours Mirabeau, a small crowd of curious people gathered in front of the stage. It's hard to miss the four purple and gold togas that emerge in the heart of the Christmas market this Friday, December 20. The rhythm of the traditional synth, started by Elvis Megné, leads the voices of Benjamin Nadal, Ariane Osseby and Perrine Djob to traditional Christmas carols, a cappella and… gospel version. “ Impressive », blurts Liliane, who slipped by chance into the crowd when the group sings This Little Light of Mine. « They are full of energy, it makes me want to dance. And that warms us up a little. » Some, in the crowd that has gathered, have taken the plunge and are following the swaying and the praise dancing choristers. Others mimic the handplay of the singers, who encourage the crowd to echo certain notes and clap their hands. “ This is what we want ! A bit of celebration! Gospel, it unnerves people », enthuses another passerby.

Until 7 p.m., the quartet will give three performances of half an hour each. A format chosen and repeated since their first performance on November 20.

Originally from Hérault, Gospel For You Family, produced by Gospel Event Productions, has been coming to Aix for three years. Friends, they met in a Protestant parish in Montpellier fifteen years ago and have been touring the stages ever since. « çpleases because our friendship and our energy are felt on stage, there is a sincerity in our singing, confides Arianne Osseby. This is the whole spirit of gospel singing, which starts from an evangelical message. His music is constantly evolving, we adapt the repertoire and the sound while keeping the spirit. » By choosing pieces “ with jazzy pop sounds », the group wants to pass a « message of hope » while moving away from the outdated clichés attached to gospel. « We see younger and younger audiences coming to concerts, they stay there. We also mix the repertoires, we keep religious songs and we add more recent Christmas carols, explain Benjamin Nadal. Without being religious, the message given by gospel, that of sharing, joy, and hope, speaks to everyone. That’s good, it’s in the Christmas spirit! », he rejoices. A spirit that is also highlighted by the play of light and the ultra-colorful stage where they perform.