On June 27, 2024, Wab and the Funky Machine released their much-anticipated track, ‘Get Down Town’. This song is a tribute to the rise of hip-hop culture, blending an old-school hit with a strong instrumental funk base. The track pays homage to the roots of hip-hop while infusing it with contemporary funk elements.
Habib Julien, better known as Wab, is renowned for his cappella singing and human beatboxing skills. His musical universe is diverse, drawing from his cross-cultural origins, jazz, groove, funk, and African oral traditions. Wab’s solo concerts are entirely vocal, utilizing a loop machine to create complex, layered soundscapes. This unique approach has earned him the monikers of ‘one-man band’ and ‘vocal acrobat’.
Since 2001, Wab has graced numerous stages and festivals, including Chorus des Hauts de Scène, Festival Alors Chante!, Le Chaînon Manquant, Festival Tan’Jazz, and Festival L’Echappée Belle. He has shared the stage with notable artists such as Maceo Parker, FFF, Michel Jonasz, Noa, and Electro Deluxe. His international tours have taken him to countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, the Philippines, Indonesia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Spain, Luxembourg, and Morocco.
In 2010, Wab created the project ‘Funky Wab and the Machine’, a quintet that emphasizes funk’s vibrant colors. This project led to the release of their first album ‘Transfunk Express’ in 2010 and an EP ‘Microgroove’ in 2015. Wab’s polymorphic voice, which can imitate instruments such as bass, percussion, trumpet, guitar, and electronic music sounds, is a hallmark of his style. His secret lies in a lot of listening, intuition, and a genuine connection with people.