Paris-based singer, songwriter, and musician Siân Pottok presents her sophomore album “Animal”, blending the distinct sound of the West African kamele ngoni with elements of funk, jazz, soul, and alternative pop. The studio release is a deeply personal exploration of identity, femininity, and self-acceptance, drawing on her unique Indian, Congolese, Slovak, and Belgian heritage.
A Mosaic of Cultures and Musical Genres
Born in Florida to a mother of Indian and Congolese heritage and a father of Slovak and Belgian descent, Siân Pottok spent her childhood and youth moving between Belgium, New York, and Paris, a life that profoundly shaped her worldview and creative voice. Turning borders into bridges, she learned to embrace diverse cultures and bring them into her music. A decisive turning point in her career came with her discovery of the traditional West African kamele ngoni, which became the guiding thread of the entire record.
Her musical style was shaped in the jazz clubs of Paris and New York, alongside collaborations with renowned artists. Sung in English and French, Animal was produced by British musician Tom Excell and features guest appearances by artists such as Lokua Kanza, Fatoumata Diawara, and Flavia Coelho, with tracks also bringing Lingala and Portuguese into the mix.
“The opportunity to move constantly has given me the ability to adapt and to find or create a ‘home’ wherever I am and not be afraid of or judgemental about what is different. Instead, I grew up embracing these differences and cherishing them.”
Personal Themes, Honesty, and Female Empowerment
“Animal” does not shy away from complex and intimate topics. The opening track, “Stereotype”, delivers a direct feminist message, highlighting the pressure women face from a very young age to please others. In “ADé”, Pottok opens up about her personal experience with adenomyosis—an extremely painful yet often invisible uterine illness that remains rarely discussed in society.
“An invitation to live fully, unapologetically, and without instructions.”
The album also includes songs celebrating courage and a deep connection to her roots. The single En Équilibre, recorded with Brazilian-French singer Flavia Coelho, uses the imagery of a tightrope walker to urge listeners to take risks and embrace uncertainty. Meanwhile, Oh, Congo!, featuring Congolese singer Lokua Kanza, serves as an open love letter to the land of her ancestors. The album Animal thus appears as a liberating work without genre boxes, which is why we will present it to you in the “Album of the Week” section of our online broadcast on the Mixcloud platform.
NMR (photo: Marina Viguier)
