Monsieur Doumani

Monsieur Doumani was formed in 2011 in Nicosia by Antonis Antoniou (tzouras), Angelos Ionas (guitar) and Demetris Yiasemides (trombone, flute). Coming from different musical backgrounds, but influenced by the Cypriot tradition at various levels, Monsieur Doumani compose Cypriot songs that draw inspiration from the contemporary Cypriot society, as well as from the turbulent conditions of our era. The original identity of the project was determined by the adaptation of Cypriot traditional pieces, with a special contemporary colour in sound and mood, forming their own distinctive style.

The band has recently launched its third album with the symbolic name Angathin [Thorn] (2018), which has attracted great interest internationally, receiving the prestigious 'German Records Critics' Award' (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik) in the category 'World Music'. It has been in the Top 10 of the Transglobal World Music Chart for 3 months reaching No. 1 in April 2018 and No. 2 in May. It has also climbed at the top of the World Music Charts Europe in May 2018 and it was given the title of 'Top of the World' album by British magazine 'Songlines'. In May 2013, Monsieur Doumani released their first full-length album entitled Grippy Grappa, which received excellent reviews from international media and established their ‘world music’ reputation. In 2015, they launched their second album Sikoses, which also received critical acclaim. Monsieur Doumani participated in numerous festivals and venues across Europe (WOMAD - Charlton Park 2014, FMM Sines (Portugal 2018), Rudolstadt (Germany 2018)), receiving international recognitions and nominations as one of the four best new bands (Songlines Music Awards).

13th Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival 2018