Les Négresses Vertes

French music group formed in 1987, known for an eclectic blend of traditional French, Mediterranean, Gypsy and Arabic influences showcased on their 1988 debut Mlah. Vocalist Helno (Noël Rota) died in 1993.

Debut album Mlah (1988) described as a colourful mix of French, Mediterranean, Gypsy and Arabic music; the band addressed social marginalization and Parisian street life. Helno (Noël Rota) died in 1993.

The available review celebrates Mlah (1988) as a colourful, streetwise debut blending traditional French, Mediterranean, Gypsy and Arabic sounds. It frames the band as poetic and socially engaged, rooted in Parisian marginality. The review notes the death of lead singer Helno in 1993 and traces subsequent releases through the 1990s and 2000s.

For:Listeners of French alternative, world and gypsy-influenced music; those interested in multicultural street-rooted bands.