Born on August 2, 1923 in Saint-Denis on Reunion Island, Jules Arlanda was immersed in music from childhood, and was encouraged to practice by his father. After learning the violin, he took up composition in his teens, writing his first score at the age of 17. He founded an orchestra at the age of 20 in 1943, then turned to a professional career in music as a music theory teacher. In 1970, Jules Arlanda made a more concrete appearance in the public sphere with the creation of the group Bourbon Y Chante, Bourbon Y Danse. Promoted to professor at the conservatory and then made a member of Sacem in 1980, Jules Arlanda became famous on the island for his use of the accordion and his numerous sega pieces. Known for his collaboration with Maxime Laope, Marie-Armande Moutou, Pierrette Payet and Henri-Claude Moutou for the group Bourbon Y Chante, Bourbon Y Danse, Arlanda's compositions resonate around the island and his orchestras train young talent, including Alain Péters. While "Julot" and "Quand li mett' son moullur'" became Sega hits, Orlanda distilled releases over the years: Tétin la compris / Un mauvais piste with Les Play-Boys in 1976, and Bell' mere / Mon Mari Peçeur and Bande les quartiers / Julot with Orchestre Arlanda. The compilation Jules Arlanda et ses interprètes, released in 2003, brings together 27 of the composer's most important songs. After being named Officier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2005, Jules Arlanda passed away on June 2, 2010 in Saint-Denis, at the age of 86.
