Voices of the Moluccas
Lagu Lagu
BOI AKIH’s Voices of the Moluccas, formed around vocalist and lyricist Monica Akihary and guitarist/composer Niels Brouwer, this duo creates a unique musical language.
The starting point is the Lagu Lagu repertoire: centuries-old Moluccan chanting, captured in field recordings from 1948, reimagined with today’s energy. In this new lineup, the music gains more space, groove and tension. Multilayered vocals, deep rhythms and open structures make every performance dynamic and unpredictable.
The starting point is the Lagu Lagu repertoire: centuries-old Moluccan chanting, captured in field recordings from 1948, reimagined with today’s energy. In this new lineup, the music gains more space, groove and tension. Multilayered vocals, deep rhythms and open structures make every performance dynamic and unpredictable.
Together with vocalists Julya Lo’ko, Maria Lekranty, pianist Mark Milan, bassist David de Marez Oyens and drummer/percussionist Viqtor LeKranty, a collective sound emerges that balances between roots, jazz and free improvisation. Brouwer’s guitar sets out lines, the voices colour and move, the rhythms keep everything in motion — intense, layered and direct.
The musicians share a long history, including through the Moluccan Moods Orchestra, and that mutual connection is audible in the playing: sharply attentive, free and full of trust. Tradition here is not a fixed given, but a living source for new ideas and forms.
Voices of the Moluccas is a concert for curious listeners — for those who love strong grooves, distinctive voices and music that emerges in the moment. An evening where heritage and contemporary energy come together.
Voices of the Moluccas is a concert for curious listeners — for those who love strong grooves, distinctive voices and music that emerges in the moment. An evening where heritage and contemporary energy come together.
