On Friday, October 2, Bisik, a musical group still in the process of renovation, set up their luggage and their hearts for the first time at La Plaine des Palmistes, for an unprecedented evening of the Blues Maron Festival at the Guy Agénor Hall. The event brought together two musical traditions—maloya and the blues—both born from resistance, cultural transmission, and a quest for freedom. Though different in origin, they shared a common language of rhythm and emotion. The evening began with Flambola, a group known for their passionate performances of maloya, a traditional music of La Réunion. The name Flambola means "the fire of maloya," reflecting the group's energetic and spiritual approach to their craft. With a lineup including Belbel on lead vocals, Ingrid on backing vocals, Melissa on congas, and others, the group united by a shared love for traditional maloya. Their performance, which included over ten songs, created a jubilant atmosphere, blending tradition with a deep spiritual resonance. The audience, numbering over 150, stood and swayed, caught up in the contagious energy of the music. After a short intermission, the stage shifted to SOBA, an Afro-blues trio from three different countries—Burkina Faso, France, and Congo. The group, consisting of Moussa Koita (vocals and guitar), Vincent Bucher (harmonica), and Émile Biayenda (percussion), brought a unique blend of Manding roots and blues influences. Their set included songs like Den Folo, where the guitar and harmonica seemed to whisper, evoking the sounds of the Mississippi River and West African rhythms. The lyrics, in Dioula, transported the audience to bustling markets in Ouagadougou and Brazzaville. The performance was a celebration of cultural exchange, with the group's music bridging continents and traditions. As the evening concluded, members of Flambola joined SOBA for a final, powerful performance, symbolizing the unity of the two musical worlds. The name SOBA means "big house," and according to Moussa, it signifies that La Réunion now has a place in this shared musical space. The festival highlighted the power of music to connect people across distances, whether by mountains, kilometers, or cultural barriers. As Bisik continues its journey, it remains committed to opening doors, hearts, and new possibilities in the East. The festival organizers thanked everyone for their presence, energy, and support, and promised to return soon with more events, including a performance by the renowned Reunionnais harmonist Olivier Ker Ourio.