Sophye Soliveau vibrates with the emotion of those transcended / inhabited by music. Nourished by Afro-American music since childhood, she first studied classical harp and choral singing at the conservatory, before turning to other, more improvised forms of expression, notably jazz, gospel and spontaneous singing. As a harpist and singer, she decided to explore the full potential of both her instrument and her voice, far beyond the academic, in an original creative approach.

Passionate about vocal harmonies, from Bobby McFerrin to Francis Poulenc, she has directed and continues to direct vocal ensembles: the Oshun choir, a vocal collective of professional female singers united around a project of original arrangements; Maré Mananga, an Afrofeminist choir exploring Afro-diasporic repertoires; and Bat'man de Chœurs, an amateur ensemble co-directed with Arnaud Dolmen. Improvising, transmitting and being in touch with Afrodescendant music, particularly R'n'B and soul, is the very essence of the work of these ensembles.

Her first album, Initiation, is the result of the detour that nourishes her improvisations, the search for healing and the learning of freedom. A spirited celebration of voluptuous R&B. Initiation is characterized by its pure orchestration. Sophye's vocal chords and those of her harp unite, soaring against a backdrop of ethereal choirs and a bass-drum rhythm with a precious, subtle groove that magnifies an original, deeply soul-inspired repertoire.