Monsieur Doumani

Formation and Background

The band consists of Antonis Antoniou (also member of neo-rebetiko group Trio Tekke) on the tzouras, Angelos Ionas on the guitar and Demetris Yiasemides on the wind instruments. Each member comes from a different musical background but nevertheless all three are influenced by Cypriot tradition on various levels. The band focuses upon the unique character of Cypriot folkloric music, enriching traditional songs with new arrangements, melodies, rhythms and sounds and crafting a style distinctively their own. The band’s music is a blend of the traditional element with modern genres. Their repertoire also includes their own compositions in the Cypriot Greek dialect, which are inspired by contemporary Cypriot society, as for example the financial crisis that hit the island, the corrupted political system, social injustice and environmental issues. They first performed live on 28 July 2012 at XORKO Collaborative Arts Movement's festival at Arminou village.

Debut EP

In 2012 they produced their first limited-edition EP entitled Cyfolk, consisting of 8 rearrangements of Cypriot folk songs. The album was distributed only in Italy and it is now out of stock.

Grippy Grappa Album

In May 2013 Monsieur Doumani released its first full-length album entitled Grippy Grappa distributed by Proper Music Distribution. The album was produced in Nicosia, and composed mainly of reworkings of traditional Cypriot pieces.

The album Grippy Grappa has received excellent reviews from international media such as the British newspaper The Guardian, the French magazine Les Inrockuptibles and the music magazine fRoots. The album was amongst the Top of the World Albums according to the 95th issue of Songlines (magazine) and it reached no.12 in World Music Network's August charts. The album gained the group a "Best Newcomer" nomination in the Songlines Music Awards 2014. In addition, the video clip of one of the album's songs called 'Out-of-touch guy' reached no.4 on World Music Network's November video charts.

Sikoses Album

In March 2015, Monsieur Doumani released their second full-length album entitled Sikoses. The album Sikoses was produced in Nicosia, Cyprus by Monsieur Doumani and consists of 13 tracks, 10 of which are originals and 3 reworkings of traditional Cypriot pieces.

Sikoses was nominated for the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik 2015. It was awarded ‘Top of the World' in Songlines magazine issue #108 and received outstanding reviews from other media internationally. The album gained the band two nominations in Songlines Music Awards 2016, in the categories "Best Group" and "Europe". Sikoses also reached No.1 in World Music Network's June 2015 chart and No.1 in the November 2015 Transglobal World Music Chart.

Worldwide Success, Recognition and Awards

-In August 2012, Monsieur Doumani represented Cyprus at the renowned international festival Ferrara Buskers Festival in Italy and was awarded the 3rd place for the most favored group of the festival.

-In April 2014 Monsieur Doumani were nominated for "Best Newcomer" in the acclaimed Songlines Music Awards. The awards were voted by readers of the international music magazine Songlines and the general public.

-In 2015 Monsieur Doumani's album 'Sikoses' was nominated for the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik

-In June 2015 Monsieur Doumani's album Sikoses reached No.1 in the World Music Network Chart

-In November 2015 Monsieur Doumani's album Sikoses reached No.1 in the Transglobal World Music Chart

- In April 2016 Monsieur Doumani was nominated in the Songlines Music Awards 2016 in two categories: "Best Group" and "Europe".

-Monsieur Doumani have performed in major festivals and venues in Europe, including WOMAD Charlton Park 2014, Konzerthaus, Vienna, Songlines Encounters, Sommarscen Malmö etc.

Current members

Discography