Every week-end, singers perform on the stage of Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon. The next concert will feature the music band “Inner Pulse,” accompanied by two talented artists: Sabrina Belmo, a singer and composer, and Rodrigue Galio, a singer and actor.
Find out more about these two artists by reading the interview below.
Rodrigue and Sabrina, can you introduce yourselves?
Rodrigue Galio: I have been a singer and actor for more than twenty years. I started my career in my native region of Hauts-de-France, which is very close to my heart. I also have a special bond with Disneyland Paris, as I once had the incredible opportunity to perform in the iconic The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands show. This experience is fairly recent, as it dates back to September 2023.
Sabrina Belmo: I have also been a singer for about the same amount of time. I began acting about six years ago. Originally from the island of Martinique, I now live in Northern France. I joined Disneyland Paris in August 2023.
Sabrina, the tone of your voice is truly unique, and you mainly sing gospel songs. What are the key features of this genre?
Sabrina: Gospel music has been an integral part of my life ever since I was a child! When I think about gospel, I immediately picture the authenticity, strength, and values that are associated with this genre. To me, it’s a style that allows singers to unleash their inner power and express their emotions through their voice.
I also enjoy singing other types of songs, but gospel music will always bring me back to my roots as a singer.
Rodrigue, you’ve taken part in various tours and have a special connection to iconic Disney Animated Movies. Can you tell us more about this connection?
R: In 2015, I was fortunate to join the cast of the Notre-Dame of Paris musical, created by Richard Cocciante and Luc Plamondon. I was hired as an understudy for the role of Quasimodo during the tours in France and several other countries – it was an incredible experience!
After returning to Paris in 2021, I sought to expand my horizons by learning how to operate puppets. This training led me to embody the role of Pumbaa in The Lion King musical at the Mogador Theater, where I performed until April 2023. Since I played the role of the beloved warthog, I’ve adopted “a problem-free philosophy!”
In addition to your respective careers, you both have had the opportunity to perform in guest-favorite shows at Disneyland Paris. Can you tell us more about these experiences?
R: Last year, I was given the opportunity to join the troupe of The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands show, in which I once again took on the role of the beloved warthog. It was a wonderful experience, and I poured my heart into that role. Even now, I still enjoy “stepping into Pumbaa’s hooves” to sing “Hakuna Matata” at Frontierland Theater.
S: As for me, I’ve had the privilege of performing in one of the resort’s most iconic shows – Mickey and the Magician! In this show, guests follow Mickey’s adventures as he learns the art of magic with the help of characters like the Genie from AladdinLight from Beauty and the Beast and Rafiki from The Lion King – the role I’m still playing.
What are the most unforgettable memories you’ve made during your time as performers at Disneyland Paris?
S: Over two performance seasons, we’ve created countless unforgettable memories here at Disneyland Paris.
The first and last shows of each season of Mickey and the Magician are always very special. I realized how fortunate I am to be part of such an amazing production, with all the talented teams and the incredible equipment we have on stage and backstage.
Being on stage and witnessing the joy in the eyes of guests of all ages is something priceless! These moments out of time are filled with beauty and magic.
R: My very first rehearsal day at Disneyland Paris is one of my most cherished memories! Before taking part in the magic-making experience, I had the opportunity to visit the resort and discover The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands show as a guest. When I returned to begin rehearsals, I already knew how lucky I was to be joining such a wonderful troupe, and I realized that I would have to give my best to live up to the magic of the show. All of the memories I had from watching the show as an audience member and from my very first rehearsal made my debut performance particularly special.
On December 28, you will team up to perform on the stage of Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon at Disney Village. What made you decide to work together?
R: Sabrina and I already had the pleasure of working together at a venue in our region. From 2017 to 2018, we took the stage at Casino Barrière in Lille, appearing in the Memphis Show musical, and from 2018 to 2020, we performed in Cubanist at the same location.
After that, we toured together as part of another summer project. During that time, we met Kevin Fourment, the founder of the “Inner Pulse” band, with whom we will be performing on December 28.
What will you be performing on stage with your band?
S: At Billy Bob’s Western Saloon, we will mainly be performing hit songs from recent decades, along with timeless classics. We will bring guests on a journey through various genres, including Funk/Disco, Pop/Rock as well as international and French pop music. Everyone will surely have a fantastic time!
Tell us more about the other members of your “Inner Pulse” band.
R: Our band also includes four experienced musicians: Kevin Fourment who plays drums, Tom Laffolay who plays bass, Nicolas Michel who plays keyboard and Cédric Goossens who plays guitar. They all have collaborated with numerous pop music artists, as well as singers from famous French musicals, gospel bands and TV talent shows.
You’ve just described your magical professional journeys – are there any aspects of the world of Disney that you are particularly passionate about?
R: I grew up listening to Disney songs and watching DVDs like Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beastetc.
Around the age of 16, I discovered Disney Parks, where all of the characters from my childhood come to life. Even now, at my level, I’m committed to ensuring that this magical legacy continues to be carried on for all Disney lovers.
S: Like many people, Disney stories and Characters were an integral part of my childhood. Each visit to Disney Parks is a trip down memory lane. Mickey Mouse: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is one of the books that captivated me the most, as it immersed me into a fantasy world. Today, I’m contributing to bringing this magic to life when I get on stage… That’s so exciting!
We are looking forward to seeing you perform on the stage of Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon on December 28! What do you want to say to the audience members who will be there to enjoy your performance?
R: We are truly determined to immerse you into a festive atmosphere on Saturday, December 28, with our “Inner Pulse” band.
S: Emotion, laughter, and music – all of the ingredients will be combined to offer you an unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to see many of you at Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon!
