Modeste

 
 
Modeste is an award winning singer songwriter and guitarist from Madagascar whose music is a unique blend of traditional Malagasy sounds. He creates beautiful melodies & rhythms with hypnotic guitar playing & vocals and is known for his exceptional and unique guitar skills and powerful live performances. As the Independent said, ‘He’s so effective in this musical sleight of hand that audience members scan the stage in search of a (non-existent) second guitar player’. Modeste has performed at many venues and festivals across the UK and abroad, including the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Brighton Dome, WOMAD, Shetland Folk, London Jazz Festival, Musicport, Wilderness, Big Chill, Hop Farm, London African Music Festival, Rise and BT River of Music. He has toured with Cesaria Evora for the UK stretch of her tour as well as sharing the stage with Mory Kanté, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lokua Kanza and more. Modeste has also been featured and has played live on countless BBC radio programmes including Janice Long’s Radio 2 show, the World Service, Charlie Gillett’s BBC London show and many live broadcasts and performances with BBC Radio 3. He has currently released two albums, the first is the self-titled ‘Modeste’ and the second ‘Fomba / Living our Destiny’ both released by Space Shop Records. Both are available on itunes, amazon, spotify, soundcloud and more. 

Modeste Hugues

“Hugues is a pleasingly smoky-toned singer and a fine guitarist, able to play rhythm and lead all at once. He’s so effective in this musical sleight of hand that audience members scan the stage in search of a (non-existant) second guitar player.”

The Independent

Modeste talking about Madagascar and his music on BBC Radio Scotland. He also reads a poem by Malagasy poet Flavien Renaivo.

Modeste’s guitar workshop at Musicport 2012

“These days we are blessed by some truly world class artists living in our midst and we really ought to celebrate them more. A case in point is Madagascar’s Modeste Hugues.”

fROOTS

“With an almost endless variety of rhythms, tempos and styles, and with a growing UK-based population of talented Malagasy musicians such as Modeste, there’s no reason why the unique and distinctive style of the Indian Ocean’s jewel shouldn’t break a few barriers here, too.”

BBC

Upcoming Shows

14/06/13 GREEN NOTE, Camden, London

We are happy to announce that Modeste is returning to the Green Note in Camden this June! Advance tickets are £10 and can be purchased here.

20/07/13  RHYTHMTREE WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, Isle of Wight, UK

We are happy to announce that Modeste is returning to the Green Note in Camden this June! Advance tickets are £10 and can be purchased here.

modeste