Salin @ Cabaret Lion d’Or▪

The last time I saw Salin was in October 2023 when she played drums for Dominique Fils Aimé. I missed her at FJM this year, so I was so happy to be invited to her record launch Cabaret Lion d’Or on October 28.

Rammana (released on March 28) is one of my favourite albums of the year, incorporating so many different styles and instruments from all around the globe. Salin’s sub-genre creation, which she calls “Afro Thai Funk,” is fresh, exciting, and highly addictive. Rhythmically hypnotic, fusing primal drum beats with modern funk and jazz. Like a well-made pad Thai, it has the perfect blend of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet.

Salin is truly a lovely musician to see live. She plays with meditative precision and a deep sense of joy that emanates from her soul. Shimmying her shoulders to the quick funky beat of Si Chomphu (one of my favourites) or slowing things down with her eyes closed for the sultry Egungun.

There were eight musicians on a tiny makeshift stage in the centre of the club, dressed in bright magenta, red, and gold silk shirts. Salin’s drum kit was on an elevated platform, the keyboard player, saxophone, and trumpet player to her left, electric guitar, bass guitarist, and Congo player to her right, and in the centre, in front of her, was a special guest who was flown in from Thailand. Khontan Pitukpan @salapych played an assortment of indigenous Thai instruments that I’ve never seen before.

The dark lighting in the intimate venue enhanced Salin’s golden aura. From the sparkling jewels pinned into her huge beehive, chandelier earrings, Thai pendant necklace, and yellow silk dress, and a smile that radiated pure warmth. Did you know that having a gold aura signifies a high level of spirituality, personal enlightenment, and a deep connection to one’s purpose in life? This explains why her approach to music goes so deep, and reminds us that no matter how far away we may come from or how different we may seem, we are all very much connected.

Salin addressed the audience before playing Rammana, asking us to sing along. The rammana is actually a Thai instrument which looks like a large tambourine, and the song begins with a primal beat and chant. In her soft voice and sweet smile she said something so simple yet so profound.

“We may all speak different languages and believe in different gods, but we can all sing the same song together.”