Afrikan: a brand new festival of music and culture from Africa is launched

Additional Information

From August 22 to 24, 2025, a new festival will take place in Montreal: Afrikan. The event is spearheaded by the duo formed by Mamoutou Dembélé (the artist known as Emdé on stage, who won the Syli d’or at the Nuits d’Afrique in 2019) and Vanessa Guay. On the program, music with names such as Kizaba, Djely Tapa, Sophie Lukacs, Adama Daou, DJ Idriss the Black Viking, etc., but also gastronomy, fashion, various learning workshops, history, children’s games, and much more. I spoke with the two designers and creators of the newest addition to Montreal’s festive universe.

DETAILS AND TICKETS FOR THE AFRIKAN FESTIVAL

The interview (in French) is divided into four parts, with the full version at the end of the list. 

Part 1: Programming 

Part 2: The Origins of the Festival 

Part 3: Relationship with the older brother Nights of Africa

Part 4: What sets Afrikan apart from the others

Full version Video