Tryo was formed in 1995 when former M'Panada members Manu Eveno (called simply Manu) and Cyril Celestin (called Guizmo) joined forces with Christophe Mali (who went by his last name). The group's rich harmonies and acoustic reggae-inspired songwriting was soon augmented by percussionist Daniel Bravo (nicknamed Danielito), and they spent a few years performing at regional festivals and building up a fan base. Tryo made their debut in 1998 with the album Mamagubida, a title created by connecting the first syllable of each member's name (plus that of their manager, Sebastien Bibou Pujol).
Over subsequent releases like 2000's Faut Qu'lls S'Activent and 2003's Grain de Sable the band honed their unique mix of festive and sometimes fiery reggae with detours into funk, folk, and pop. Tryo captured their energetic live show on the 2004 concert album De Bouches a Oreilles, which was recorded at the famous Olympia Theatre in Paris. In 2008, the band returned with their fourth studio album, Ce que l'on sème, which hit number one on the French charts. After a second live album, Sous les Etoiles, Tryo topped the charts again with 2012's Ladilafé, marking another high point in their career. The band managed two more albums -- Né quelque part (2014) and Vent debout (2016) -- in quick succession, then began the next decade with 2020's XXV ans, celebrating their 25th anniversary in the process. Following 2021's Chants de bataille, Manu announced his departure from the Tryo. ~ Marisa Brown & Timothy Monger, Rovi