MANMZEL, derived from the French word “mademoiselle” meaning woman, is an all-female group that has been making waves in the New York music scene since its formation in June 2003. Founded by Nayalie and Rachelle Laraque, daughters of renowned guitarist Michel Laraque and nieces of the legendary Toto Laraque from Caribbean Sextet, the group was created with the vision of introducing a powerful female movement to the music industry that would transcend borders.
Nayalie, the band’s maestro and leader, plays guitar and contributes both lead and background vocals, while her sister Rachelle provides harmonizing background vocals. Together, they brought on board a diverse and incredibly talented group of musicians:
- Dawn Drake from London, a professional bass player who also sings lead and background vocals.
- Dana Salzman from Israel, who plays the keyboard, raps, and sings.
- Linn Demilta from Italy, who brings her expertise in lead and background vocals.
- Anselam Fulgence from Saint Lucia, who also sings both lead and background.
The group’s music is rooted in Kompa, but they seamlessly blend genres such as R&B, Zouk, Rock n Roll, Pop, Reggae, and Salsa, creating a versatile and original sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. With this unique style, MANMZEL is set to reach diverse markets within the industry.
As the first all-female band of such diverse cultural backgrounds and musical talent to emerge on the scene, MANMZEL stands out. Their first album, On the Beat, was released on December 21, 2004, and showcases their musical prowess.
What makes MANMZEL exceptional is not only their skill but their dedication to their craft. Each member is a talented instrumentalist, and their combined beauty, charisma, and commitment are undeniable. With no apparent competition, MANMZEL is poised to take the music industry by storm.
For MANMZEL, this journey is more than just about music—it’s about creating a movement that empowers women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Their message is clear:
“What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; boldness has power and magic in it.” Never underestimate the power of a woman.
A Fusion of Talent and Culture
What sets MANMZEL apart is the diverse cultural backgrounds of its members, each of whom brings a different perspective and musical style to the group. This blend of influences results in a versatile and innovative sound that resonates with a wide audience. Together, they create a unique musical experience that is fresh, dynamic, and inspiring.
A Movement Beyond Music
For the women of MANMZEL, the band represents more than just music; it is a movement aimed at empowering women in the male-dominated music industry. They hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and dedication. As they prepare to release their debut CD, MANMZEL’s message is clear: “What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; boldness has power and magic in it.” Never underestimate the power of a woman.
MANMZEL is more than just a band—it is a celebration of female talent, strength, and determination, poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry.
