Les Surfs
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Madagascar |
Area served | Europe, Mexico, United States, Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Les Surfs were a sibling pop ensemble from Madagascar known for their yé-yé style, active between 1963 and 1971.
History
The group "Les Surfs" was composed of six siblings—Coco, Pat, Rocky, Dave, Monikya (Monique), and Nicole Rabaraona—out of twelve brothers and sisters. Initially performing as the "Rabaraona Brothers and Sisters," they gained recognition by winning a 1958 contest held by Radio Tananarive with renditions of songs by the Platters. Later adopting the name "the Beryl," they toured across Madagascar and produced early singles such as "Little Flower" and "The Three Bells."
Their breakthrough came on September 8, 1963, when they performed during the inauguration of France's second television channel, attracting widespread attention. With guidance from their Parisian guardian Jean-Louis Rafidy, they secured a contract with Festival Records. Their debut release under this label was "Reviens Vite Et Oublie," a rendition of "Be My Baby," which reached number one in France, Spain, and Mexico. They shared tours with prominent artists including Frank Alamo and Sheila, and in 1964 appeared at the prestigious Olympia in Paris, where they were honored as "Newcomers of the Year."
Throughout the decade, Les Surfs embarked on international tours and recorded songs in several languages, gaining popularity across Europe and beyond. Their appearances at events like San Remo and television programs in France, Italy, England, and the United States broadened their global reach. Their catalog featured both original compositions and English-language covers.
By the end of the 1960s, as family commitments increased among members, Les Surfs decided to end their musical journey in 1971 following an extensive tour. After disbanding, the male members relocated to Canada; Monique initially lived there before moving back to France; Nicole settled in the United States. Monique passed away in 1993 at age 48, while Nicole died in 2000.
In 2008, Dave Rabaraona revived the group as Les Surfs 2008 for participation in the French tour Âge tendre et tête de bois (2008–2009), incorporating relatives and collaborators. Dave passed away in February 2025.
Members
- Monique (Monikya), May 8, 1945 – November 15, 1993
- Nicole, July 21, 1946 – May 5, 2000
- Coco, born June 19, 1939
- Pat, born April 13, 1941
- Rocky, born May 7, 1942
- Dave, December 4, 1943 – February 26, 2025
Television
- Tête de Bois et Tendres Années (1963, 1964), French television
- La Rose d'or de Montreux, featuring the Rolling Stones (1964), Swiss television
- Ready Steady Go!, alongside Petula Clark and the Rolling Stones (1964–1966), London television
- Petula Clark Show (1965–1966), London television
- Rundherum die welt (1965), Hamburg television
- The Hollywood Palace (1965), American television
- Cravate Noir (1967), French television
- Les Palmarès des Chansons (1967), French television
- The Talk of the Town and The Jack Benny Show (1968), London television
Film
- Cherchez l'idole (1964), French cinema
Albums
- 33 RPM LPs France
- Go Your Way (Gentille, Lentine, Connor) (1965), RCA 1461
- Les Surfs à l'Olympia (1964), Festival FLD 330 S
- Several self-titled albums released between 1964 and 1966 under Festival FLD series
- 33 RPM LPs Spain
- 16 Grandes Éxitos De Les Surfs issued in both 1964 and 1976 by Hispavox-Festival HF series
Extended plays
- 45 RPM EPs France
- A variety of releases issued between 1963 and 1967 under the Festival label, highlighting prominent singles such as "Reviens vite et oublie" and "Si j'avais un marteau"
- 45 RPM EPs Spain
- A broad selection of records available on the Hispavox-Festival label, featuring popular tracks like "Tu Serás Mi Baby" and "Stop," released over several editions
- 45 RPM EPs Italy
- A collection of Festival label EPs including notable songs like "Ce Garçon (My Best Friend)" and "Quando Balli Il Surf," reinforcing their presence in the international market