The PAN M 360 team has a strong presence at the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique (FINA), with our contributors reporting daily on what they’ve seen and heard at the concerts presented in Montreal until July 23.
La Tribu Salsa Band’s Recipe for Happiness
Photo credit: André Rival
La Tribu Salsa Band is the winner of the Syli d’or de la musique du monde 2023. This initiative of Productions Nuits d’Afrique was in its 16th year. The Tribu Salsa Band brilliantly defended its title and demonstrated why the group was the public’s favourite. The band members entered the stage all wearing the same black shirts with multicolored musical notes on their shoulders. The opening track set the scene for an hour of energetic, danceable music. Four singers took center stage, delighting the crowd with their intricate vocal harmonies and rhythmic dance steps. La Tribu Salsa Band’s setlist combined classic pieces from the salsa and samba repertoire, interspersed with original compositions. The melodies were held with confidence by the four brass players (two trumpets, two trombones) who alternated solos and clear, rhythmic chords.
The audience was entertained from start to finish. After the last song, as the band members were officially presented with their trophies, the crowd chanted “Otra, otra, otra!” to demand one last song, which unfortunately didn’t happen. The Tribu Salsa Band gave a performance worthy of a band just awarded a Syli d’or.
Elena Mandolini
The Purity and Elegance of Thaynara Perí
As part of the Femmes du monde series, Brazilian singer-songwriter Thaynara Perí performed at Nuit d’Afrique. Maracas in hand, she entered the stage and greeted the large crowd gathered near the Scène Loto-Québec. A native of Minas Gerais, the artist’s confidence and stage presence are remarkable. Accompanied on stage by bass, guitar, drums and flute, Thaynara Perí explores bossa nova and samba with a relaxed jazz structure.
Throughout the concert, the audience danced along, carried away by her powerful yet elegant voice. During her performance, Thaynara Perí gave way to her musicians at various points, bringing excellent guitar solos to life. On several occasions, the Brazilian singer addressed the audience in French, saying how delighted she was to be able to sing for them. The atmosphere was as warm as it was festive, and it was hard to ask for a better way to start the evening!
Jacob Langlois-Pelletier
Bejuco: Diverse Inspirations and Colombian Essence
Around 8 pm, Colombian band Bejuco took to the Radio-Canada stage. The arrival of this ten-member orchestra was eagerly awaited, judging by the mass of festival-goers present at their performance. Active since 2015, the band is heavily influenced by Afrobeat and offers Afro-Colombian rhythm tinged with ancestral chants, while also incorporating pop, hip-hop and reggae elements into their art. Each member of the group adds a musical layer until the result is reminiscent of the strength and tenacity of the ocean sea.
On stage, the band’s instruments include guitar, percussion and the marimba, the Latin American xylophone. The latter is at the heart of Bejuco’s melodies. Repetition is an integral part of the band’s soundtrack, giving the impression that the ten members never stop performing. During their show, Bejuco played various tracks from Batea, their debut album released in 2021. Bejuco’s energy is contagious, and they completely charmed the NAFI crowd!
Jacob Langlois-Pelletier
Paulo Ramos and Friends at the Fairmount Theatre: Charm and Elegance Still at Work
An already convinced audience gathered at the Fairmount Theatre last night to appreciate the charm and elegance of a top-class musician: Paulo Ramos, guitarist, singer, songwriter, performer and beloved Quebecer of Brazilian origin. Joining him on stage were friends Monica Freire (back in Quebec during the pandemic after several years in Brazil – we’re glad to see her again!), Bia, Daniel Bellegarde on percussion, Rodrigo Simoes on guitar and mandolin, Diogo Ramos, vocals and guitar, Dan Gigon on bass, Sasha Daoud on drums and ex-Chic Gamine Annick Brémault, who reveals a fine affinity for the sensuality of the Portuguese language. Paulo’s voice still has that misty quality that characterizes him, even if a few frailties appear here and there. Yes, the years go by. But who cares? Paulo’s humanist warmth transcends the physicality of the sound itself, soaking up the space and time allotted to him when invited on stage. Everyone was in tune with the evening’s chill vibe, but Bia stole the show late in the second set with an energetic version of Carnaval, a welcome tempo boost. The audience, most of whom were in their fifties and over, were attentive and constantly nodding their heads. A younger section danced along. The balance was symbiotic with the energy of the music. A lovely moment, full of warmth and nostalgia.
Frédéric Cardin
Rebecca Jean: ‘Haïbécoise’
Photo credit: André Rival
Seeing Rebecca Jean perform at Club Balattou felt like getting to know a friend, even if the evening began somewhat mysteriously. After Rebecca was invited onto the stage, her band set up, yet she was nowhere to be seen. After some awkward silence, the guitarist began to strum an open chord and out of the crowd emerged a voice, and Rebecca began to make her way through the seated audience singing and playing her didgeridoo. We appreciated the theatrics, and as soon she took to the stage she became less of an enigma and a warm performer with a lot of music and stories to share.
As a ‘Haïbécoise’, her music is clearly a way of exploring her dual identity, singing in Creole and French, yet she did not give the air of someone unsure of themselves, but someone self-assured as her powerful voice resounded through the salon. Mostly performing songs from her album ‘Antidote’, the evening was an intimate affair with her trio band, and Rebecca occasionally on the piano. At times her songs were anthemic, at times soft and lyrical. Her band was of course in fine form, the percussionist took some exhilarating solos across his set, and the guitarist had his fun too as her songs opened up for live performance.
Varun Swarup
Sona Jobarteh Captivates Her Audience
Photo credit: André Rival
The crowd was eager to see Sona Jobarteh perform for the first time in Montreal. The performance, which took place on the large TD – Radio-Canada stage, was finely staged. To begin with, the stage was filled with opaque smoke. Through this mysterious atmosphere, an invisible musician began a percussion solo, gradually building in intensity. Then, one by one, the instruments (drums, guitar, bass) joined the percussion. Anticipation was running high, and it was at this point that Sona Jobarteh took to the stage, much to the delight of the audience. Giant screens on either side of the stage showed occasional close-ups of the musician’s hands, allowing us to appreciate the refined technique and virtuosity required to play the kora.
Sona Jobarteh’s clear, beautiful voice accompanied the audience throughout the evening. The musician’s playing style pays homage to the centuries-old musical tradition of West Africa, but her pieces also bring a modern element. Rousing solos on kora, then guitar (another instrument Sona Jobarteh masters) had the crowd dancing and clapping their hands in appreciation. The encore was a mainly instrumental piece, ending in a rock concert apotheosis. A breathtaking performance!
Elena Mandolini
