Madjao

Madjao is a French singer and songwriter from the Rhone region of Ardeche, France. His MusicAL style spans and samples from traditions of hip-hop, rap, rhythm & blues, North African Rai, and lounge. Born to Moroccan immigrants, Madjao brings to his lyrics a sensitivity to multi-cultural ethics, and the concerns of the everyday man.

Madjao's first single, Douce France was picked up by Universal Music Publishing in 2002, which then led to a recording contract with BMG/Arista for his first album, "Un Ardechois a Panam." ("An Ardeche Man in Paris").

The first release of the single, "Douce France" sold out immediately at 40,000 copies. It then became the official campaign song for the French presidential campaign of Noel Mamere in 2002. Drawn from the old French classic "Douce France" by Charles Trenet, the song alludes to the devastating effects of globalization and farm corporatization on the quality of life of the French people and the sustainability of their centuries-old farming traditions.

Madjao's music premiered in the United States on the radio show of noted musicologist, Brian Cullman, who hosts his weekly radio show, "Songs on Toast"1.

Madjao remains loyal to his home region of Ardeche, returning to it and drawing from its rich landscapes an inspiration for The Rhythm, sense and sensibility of his songs. Songs from the album, "Un Ardechois a Panam" are currently available on the French Amazon.com 2 and via various sources online as well.