Zap Mama

Zap Mama is a Belgian musical group founded by Marie Daulne in the early 1990s. The group is known for its innovative blend of polyphonic, a cappella singing with influences from African music, European music, and American R&B. Zap Mama's music often features complex vocal harmonies, rhythmic experimentation, and socially conscious lyrics.

Daulne, who is of Belgian and Congolese heritage, draws inspiration from her mixed cultural background. Early Zap Mama albums emphasized the human voice as the primary instrument, often layering vocal parts to create intricate and evocative soundscapes. Over time, the group incorporated more instrumental accompaniment, including percussion, bass, and other instruments, while maintaining its focus on vocal harmony.

Zap Mama's music explores themes of identity, cultural exchange, and female empowerment. The group has toured extensively and collaborated with a variety of artists from around the world. Their discography includes albums such as Adventures in Afropea 1 (1993), Sabsylma (1994), 7 (1997), A Ma Zone (1999), Ancestry in Progress (2004), and ReCreation (2009). While the lineup of musicians has changed over the years, Marie Daulne has remained the central creative force behind Zap Mama.