Les Negresses Vertes

A French band from Paris that could fit in the world-music sphere, as their sound has changed from their start in 1987.
Literally translated, the name of the band "Les Négresses Vertes" is a paradox. It translates literally as "Green Black Girls", a name that does not make a great deal of sense in English, but apparently originated from abuse hurled at them at one of their first concerts. In Paris the uniform of the garbage collection is green - and most of the workers were colored ... However, 'vert' can also mean 'fresh', so an equal translation would be "Fresh Black Girls".
The original line-up included:
Helno (Singer) (born Noël Rota in Paris, December 25, 1963 -- ✝ January 22, 1993; also known as Helno Rota De Lourcqua), Jo Roz (also known as L'Ami Ro; real name Joe Ruffier des Aimes) (Piano), Stéfane Mellino (Guitar), Jean-Marie Paulus (Bass), Gaby (Drums), Matias Canavese (Accordion), Michel Ochowiak (Trumpet), Abraham Sirinix (also known as Abraham Braham) (Trombone) and Iza Mellino (Backing Vocals).

Begs, Guenole Biger, Helno Rota De Lourcqua, Iza Mellino, Jean-Marie Paulus, Joe Ruffier Des Aimes, Julot, Laurent Gabriel, Mathieu Crespin, Mathieu Paulus, Michel Ochowiak, Olivier Gondry, Stéfane Mellino, Sydney Thiam, Zaack

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