The group Bananarama, now a duo, is back with a compilation and a new single

Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin, the two survivors of Bananarama, the English female musical group formed in 1981, have announced their return to the stage over forty years after their hit "Cruel Summer". The duo has indeed just released a compilation and a new single titled "Feel the Love".

It should be noted that in 1983, the group was formed of three friends, originally fans of punk rock bands, who sang "Cruel Summer" while jumping and wearing overalls in their video shot in New York. Their catchy pop song had become a hit in Europe, especially in France, marking the sound of the 80s.

The group, at the time, quickly became known for their unique vocal style characterized by singing in unison of the three members on the same microphone, a technique pushed to the extreme that became their signature in the history of pop music.

The group had its first successes with singles such as "Really Saying Something", "Shy Boy", and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye". Their song "Cruel Summer" became a hit in 1983, marking the sound of the 80s. Bananarama had also recorded collaborations with other artists, such as Fun Boy Three for "T'ain't What You Do (It's The Way That You Do It)".

In 1986, Bananarama collaborated with Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) for the album "True Confessions", which included the international hit "Venus". This partnership marked a change in the group's musical style, moving from a rock and new wave pop influence to a more dance-oriented euro disco sound.

The group continued to produce hits with albums like "Wow!" and "Pop Life", including successes like "I Heard A Rumour" and "Love in the First Degree". In 1988, Siobhan Fahey left the group and was replaced by Jacquie O'Sullivan.

In 1993, Dallin and Woodward reformed Bananarama as a duo and released the album "Please Yourself". The group continued to release music until the early 2000s, with albums like "Ultra Violet" in 1995 and "Viva" in 2009.

Forty years have passed since their debut, and these pioneers of girl power, big sisters of the Spice Girls, are now just two. It should be added that the trio had sold more than 40 million records at the time, influencing artists such as Madonna (for her haircut) and Lady Gaga.

Still active, even at over 80 years old, they have just released a copious box set titled "Glorious - The Ultimate Collection" on March 8, and they will perform in April at the Palladium in London. Their return to the stage promises to be a landmark event for fans of 80s music and beyond.