POTOMITAN

artistic creation by

Yann Cléry & Yannick Théolade

The concept

Potomitan evolves between the concert, the theater play and the dream show.
In Potomitan, you can find three worlds that intertwine with simplicity and vitality:
First is the world of Djokan and Yannick Théolade, which draws its roots from the traditions of all of French Guyana (Bushinengé, Amerindian, Creole) and the entire Amazon.
Second is the acoustic and warm breath of the saxophone and flute, their vitality and strength drawn from jazz. Yann Cléry and Rodolphe Lauretta sometimes caress the melodies, sometimes make the instrument roar, in the manner of the Fulani flutists thanks to the technique of the 'speaking flute'.
Third universe is essentially brought by the DJ and his scratchs. Thanks to him, noises of the forest and animals or electronic sounds come to dress this visual and sound creation, and bring it on contemporary paths.

The Potomitan performance is engaged. It allows to show part of the richness of the multiple Afro-American traditions and to show that this tradition is compatible with contemporary techniques. This show is a pledge of cultural openness to the world, an appeal to an awareness of the richness of the intangible heritage of French Guyana.

The Djokan

Created by Yannick Théolade, DJOKAN is a Martial Art that comes from South America, more precisely from French Guyana. The Founder of this Art is the Great Dôkô SAWANI MAKAN.
It is the result of many years of study, research, compilation and codification.
The DJOKAN is not strictly speaking a new martial art in itself, but a bridge between a modern approach and the tradition of Amazonian warrior knowledge that has existed for centuries.
Indeed, the DJOKAN draws its origins from the warlike, physical and sporting practices, traditional warrior dances, customs and habits of the warrior peoples of Amazonia: the Amerindians, the Afro-descendants. After this long gestation, the DJOKAN method is officially created in 2010.
To promote DJOKAN, Gran Dôkô SAWANI MAKAN has affiliated it to the International Federation of Traditional Martial Arts.

The team

Yann Cléry (flute, vocals, composition)
Yannick Théolade (drums, singing, handpan, dance, composition)
Rodolphe Lauretta (alto saxophone, soprano, flute)
Charly Sy (DJ, sratches)
Stéphanie Chou Ket Kim (drum, singing, dancing)
Jean Ho Tram Foo (sound engineer)