Description :
This episode of Orality and Humanity was produced by Radio País as part of the European Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana / Tramontana Network) project, co-funded by the European Union, which documents and preserves Europe’s oral heritage through the memories, voices and cultural traditions of rural communities. In this edition, host Fabrice welcomes renowned Occitan singer, songwriter and performer Edmond Duplan to discuss his lifelong attachment to his homeland, its history and its culture.
During the interview, Edmond Duplan recalls the rich historical heritage of his native village of Pouzac, evoking its Roman past and the resilience of the Occitan language through centuries of political and cultural change. He also reflects on his dual passion for music and sport, describing a remarkable career that has included decades of football and rugby, recognition from the French Football Federation as one of its oldest licensed players, and a lifetime devoted to singing. For Duplan, physical activity and artistic performance are inseparable, each sustaining the energy, breath and commitment required to remain active on stage.
The conversation concludes with a discussion of Duplan’s songwriting, particularly his desire to celebrate the landscapes, villages and people of the Pyrenean region through music. His song Passejada en Bicicleta (“A Bicycle Ride”) serves as a musical journey across the territory, naming villages and celebrating local identity with warmth and humour. Blending jazz influences with Occitan traditions, the programme highlights how Edmond Duplan’s work preserves regional memory while transmitting a living cultural heritage to future generations.