I’ve rarely seen the MTelus so packed to the brim. And it was mostly the Guinean community that turned out for the tribute to the “Baobab of the Night,” the Great Lamine Touré. For the occasion, the program featured a lineup of popular artists from Guinea and beyond, each drawing their own fan base and making the celebration truly spectacular.
Hosted by Brazilian singer and TV personality Bïa, who kept the crowd energized, the evening was elevated by a house band of exceptional musicians.
After a few speeches by several officials who had traveled all the way from Guinea for this tribute, the first scheduled artist took the stage to cheers from the young people in the audience. It was Degg J, who kicked things off with a bang, each song more popular than the last. The energy built to a crescendo, peaking with a track the entire audience knew by heart, as he occasionally blended dancehall and Latin rhythms into his repertoire.
Between performances, Bïa even had time to get the audience singing in Portuguese while the musicians set up for the Guinean and Sierra Leonean artist Sia Tolno. Kicking off with the song “L’homme qui vient de loin” (The Man Who Comes from Far Away)—which alluded somewhat to Lamine Touré—she opened the show with her signature African blues style while showcasing her talents as a dancer. “Just like everywhere else in the world, we’re calling for unity,” she said between songs. She took the opportunity to include a breathtaking solo by the Senegalese-Malian guitarist Amady Sidibè—who’s in high demand in Montreal—which particularly delighted the audience, who had been eagerly awaiting his standout moments throughout the evening.
But it was AK’s arrival on stage that particularly surprised me, as he was welcomed like an icon. I could compare him to a Guinean version of Tayc, given his musical style and his “lover” persona. Very popular among young people—especially young women—he set the MTelus ablaze, getting the audience to sing along to every one of his songs. Many of his songs are hits, and he even went so far as to add some Senegalese mbalax to his repertoire. I have a feeling this artist will return to Montreal for a longer concert, judging by the impact he had on his fans.
The final performance—the one many had been waiting for—was, of course, the legendary duo Soul Bang’s and Manamba Kanté, but before that, the great diva Oumou Sangaré, who opened the 40th edition, took the stage to honor Mr. Lamine Touré. Accompanied by high-ranking officials from Guinea, festival co-founder Suzanne Rousseau, and artists such as Djely Tapa, this icon of African music received the highest honors—including speeches, gifts, and a commemorative plaque—to highlight her enormous contribution.
And then it was time for a final, colorful performance, combining the repertoire of Soul Bang’s with that of his wife, Manamba Kanté, to treat us to a medley of their greatest hits. While one supported the other, depending on the song, it was when they came together on stage that the chemistry between these two artists was truly evident. As Manamba’s unique voice echoed through the concert hall, Soul Bang’s charmed us with his improvisations—sometimes in English—and his infectious energy. Together, they performed songs about women, love, and struggle, blending tradition and modernity through Guinean rhythms and occasional dancehall beats. They also paid tribute to Manamba’s father, the late Mory Kanté, with a cover of “Yeke Yeke”—a highlight of the evening.
The “Baobab de Nuit” surely felt this recognition from his peers in Montreal and Guinea during this tribute evening, even though he’s used to staying in the shadows. But when you’ve built a festival that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary, you can no longer stay in the shadows—you have to accept being celebrated.
