After years of research and tracking down the artists responsible for the recording, Paris-based Hot Mule records, who continue to put out great rare recordings, has reissued the highly obscure 1984 tropical masterpiece Meliza, which has been a well-kept secret for years amongst Caribbean music lovers.

This six-track recording, which was originally self-released, came together when Guadeloupe-native Jeannine “Janis” Sifflet (aka Meliza) and her family moved to Paris in 1975, and at the age of 18, met composer and producer Alex Dorothée. Through the use of a few synths, a drum machine, and additional instrumentation from some friends, they were able to produce Sifflet’s solo debut. Following some promotion of the recording the vocalist moved back to Guadeloupe and completely lost connection with Dorothée until this limited reissue came to light.

Musically, the album is a tropical dancefloor gem, fusing to together electronic beats, synths, and Sifflet’s soulful vocals with electro Zouk and Caribbean influenced grooves.

The limited-edition reissue (only 500 copies!) was released back in November, and has quickly sold, with what appears as only a few copies remaining. In all hindsight, this is certainly one of those incredible reissues that should have definitely made BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Reissues of 2020. For those that love 80s era tropical dance music, I strongly recommend picking up one of the remaining copies that’s still out there … pure fire!

Meliza — ‘s/t’ LP
(Originally released: self-released / 1984)
(Reissued: Hot Mule / 2020)

1. Paradis En Moin
2. Anragé
3. Rythme Oublié
4. Tou Patou Sé Zouk
5. Pou Moun” Ki Ka Soufè
6. Anne Marie

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• Reissue
• Tropical Grooves