"They were making headlines in France in the '90s as the torch-bearers of a new movement fighting for the revival of the Occitan language and culture. Not only did they become champions of the then dying language of Occitan, but they created a quaint Provençal-sounding version of raggamussin which, just like its Jamaican cousin, primarily consists of electronic instrumentation, a whole load of sampling and toasting which in this case is, of course, all performed in French and Occitan, and like MSS spin-off Moussu T e lei Jovents has banjo from Blu to add the spice ... Massilia is a hot boiling kettle of social commentary (...) and as such the focus of the music is very much on the lyrics and its social impact as opposed to representing traditional Occitan culture. It's designed to be enjoyed "en groupe" at a party somewhere along the docks or anywhere at a festival where fun and laughter are the norm".
