Souldia repeated it a few times on Friday: this was its biggest show ever in Abitibi. For a market of this size, it was indeed considerable. And totally justified. Rouyn-Noranda is a hip-hop town, and also the home of Steve Jolin, whose 7eme Ciel label is a pillar of Quebec’s musical ecosystem.
Several keb rap headliners took to the FME main stage. This region is also home to Zach Zoya, who is very much in evidence this weekend as a distinguished guest, notably at Haviah Mighty, Prix Polaris 2019, on stage on Saturday.
But the one to whom we gave the most flashes, the one who brings people together the most, is undoubtedly Souldia. And with good reason: the boots follow the lips when it comes to defending the material on stage, including the best salvos from Non Conventionnel or excerpts from Portrait Robot performed with fellow bandmate Lost. Can’t wait for the new album in the making.
Hellish stage presence, superior tone, and a formidable machine behind him to perform in real time. Souldia has truly built his identity as an artist who has arrived at the top of keb rap. His connection with the largest portion of keb rap fans is no accident. He graffitied just enough, quickly brought himself back into line, and eventually won over as many fans as possible.
Lost performed at the Petit Théâtre du Vieux Noranda, adjacent to the main stage aisle. An excellent set from the poetic MC, the MTL rapper commands respect. His pen is razor-sharp, his words direct and to the point, his syllables punchy and his stage presence authoritative. And, needless to say, a return visit from Souldia, still pumped up. The next day, the main stage on 7th Street was packed again for another program of rap keb with LaF, Haviah Mighty and Loud Lary Ajust reunited in the context of the 10th anniversary Blue Volvo tour. Indeed, it’s a cause for celebration in the always astonishing city of hip-hop, Rouyn-Noranda.
Photo Credit: Christian Leduc
