Until the beginning of October, the band Brooklyn2Nice sets the terrace of Le Siècle at the West End Hotel ablaze every Tuesday. Behind this evocative name lies a duo of passionate musicians who have been electrifying the French Riviera for over 12 years. We sat down with Luc Drame, the singer, and Christophe Messalti, the bassist, to learn more about their story, their music, and their projects.
A musical alchemy born from a shared passion
Brooklyn2Nice is the story of an artistic encounter. Christophe Messalti, a bassist trained at the Paris Conservatory of Jazz, crossed paths with Luc Drame, a singer from Nice with a gospel background. Initially brought together for a joint event, they quickly discovered they shared the same tastes and energy. This marked the beginning of a collaboration that would lead them to refine their sound for over a decade.
Their duo revisits the greatest standards of soul, funk, and rhythm and blues, paying homage to the legends who inspired them, such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Prince. The originality of their approach lies in their use of loops, creating a true symbiosis between vocals and bass—a balance they refine with each performance.
An immersive and festive experience
Every Tuesday, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Brooklyn2Nice transforms the terrace of Le Siècle into a party venue. Their performance is much more than just a concert: it's a true interaction with the audience. The atmosphere evolves throughout the evening, moving from a lounge repertoire at the beginning of dinner to more danceable tracks. The close connection with the customers is something the duo particularly cherishes. The West End team, whom they know for a long time, also contributes to this convivial atmosphere.
One of their fondest memories on the West End stage? The moment when, in a relaxed atmosphere, the customers started dancing on the terrace. These moments of sharing and spontaneity are the greatest reward for the band.
The Future in Music: A Large-Scale Educational Show
Beyond their weekly performances, Luc and Christophe have a project close to their hearts for years: an educational show tracing the history of soul music. Presented by a large ensemble of musicians, including a brass section and backing vocalists, it aims to explore the history of this musical style, from its blues roots to contemporary funk. With this project, Brooklyn2Nice hopes not only to entertain but also to educate a wider audience and perpetuate a musical legacy.
If you want to discover or rediscover them, head to the West End Hotel every Tuesday until the beginning of October for a funk and soul evening you won't soon forget!