Festival du monde arabe : Nour Kamar, Promesse de Carthage
by Rédaction PAN M 360
Le FMA présente en première en Amérique du Nord la chanteuse Nour Kamar. Perle rare parmi les voix les plus prometteuses de la relève, l’étoile montante tunisienne subjugue par la justesse de sa tessiture vocale et l’émotion bouleversante qu’elle suscite auprès du public. À à peine 21 ans, elle s’impose avec une grâce et une élégance rares, reprenant le flambeau perdu des vedettes d’autrefois. En cette époque aux préoccupations tumultueuses, quoi de mieux pour clôturer cette édition-anniversaire qu’une lueur de jeunesse, empreinte de beauté et de renouveau, qui augure des lendemains plus ensoleillés.
The FMA is proud to present the North American debut of Nour Kamar. A standout among the new generation of singers, this rising Tunisian star has garnered legions of fans with her impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Only 21 years old, her elegance, poise and charismatic stage presence is reminiscent of the legendary performers of yesteryear. In these troubling and tumultuous times, what better way to close this anniversary season than with a celebration of youth, beauty, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Before the Gilsons trio, who are famous in Brazil, take the stage, their percussionist Ricardo Guerra and trumpeter Osiel Junior first settle in before welcoming José, João and Francisco Gil, to the applause of a mostly Brazilian audience. All dressed in blue and white for the occasion, the three descendants of Gilberto Gil have an undeniable complicity on stage, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere from the outset.
They start the show with Pra gente acordar, featured on the album of the same name, released in 2022. At center stage, Francisco sings most of the songs, with José and João, sometimes on backing vocals, sometimes just on guitar and/or bass. It’s fascinating to see them swapping guitars throughout the show, a veritable musical chair, but with guitars. They continue with Algum ritmo, a collaboration with Jovem Dionisio.
In fact, they’re not all sons of Gilberto Gil, as I thought, but only José is the son, while João and Francisco are grandsons of the great Brazilian icon. “We’re happy to be here, for the first time in Canada,” José shares, before continuing with Vento Alecrim, from the 2018 album Varias Queixas. This opus fuses several styles such as samba, rap, funk, afoxé mixed with electronics.
For the track Vem de là, José takes the lead this time and the other two sing backing vocals, while encouraging the audience to sing along to Devagarinho, on which they collaborated with Mariana Volker. The three artists’ complicity is palpable throughout the concert. They teased each other, sometimes laughing in each other’s ears, and cracking jokes at every turn.
Another track the crowd seemed to enjoy was India, a collaboration with Julia Mestre. It’s João’s turn to repeat several times that they’re happy to be in Canada, that they never imagined their music would have brought them here, followed by a round of applause.
When they play the first notes of Swing de Campo Grande, the crowd starts screaming and bobbing to the beat. The same goes for Love, Love, on which they get the audience singing lalalala over a trumpet that’s delicious to the ear.
They alternate between the two albums, with A voz, or Proposta, which features some jaw-dropping solos by João. They couldn’t close the show without singing Varias queixas, the hit that put this trio on the map, as they say.
The encore came very quickly, with the audience shouting “Eu não vou embora” or “I am not going away” from the foot-tapping crowd, shaking the floor of the National. So they return to share Um so, Duas cidades and Voltar na Bahia, incorporating José’s cavaquinho, who also has fun on percussion at times, leaving the other two to dialogue with their guitar. They go on to cover a few samba classics, such as Dona Ivone Lara’s Alguém me aviso, much to the delight of the audience, who seem to appreciate the long encore. My personal favorite is João, whose voice most closely resembles that of Gilberto Gil, and who seems to be the trio’s rebel. And we all love a rebel, don’t we?
The opening act was Toronto-based Brazilian singer JØY Brandt, who shared several of her original compositions with the audience, such as her most recent track Vem. She also delighted the audience with a cover of the Edson Gomes classic Árvore, which she revisited with her own touch. She was accompanied for the occasion by musicians all originally from Bahia: percussionist and drummer The Real WheresBaiano, Bernardo on guitar and Luciano Vila Nova on bass. Of course, none of this would have been possible without Showzaço, and in particular Ulysses de Paula, who has been bringing high-calibre artists to Montreal for several years now. Between Emicida, Zeca Pagodinho, Nando Reis and soon Jorge Aragão in August, he no longer needs to prove himself. This visionary has become a key player in the Brazilian art scene in Canada.
Singer-songwriter Ced Auger (Cédric Auger) was born on February 12, 1992, in Hull, Quebec. Today, he is an emerging artist whose talents in all facets of musical creation are recognized and appreciated by an ever-widening audience. The son of a musician, he took up the guitar at an early age and soon discovered a distinctive voice that he developed and perfected over the years. Under the pseudonym “Elmaniak”. He produced several songs that marked his era in Quebec rap: ”J’ai Mal” , ”Te souviens tu” , ”Mélodie” to name but a few. He has toured Quebec and performed on stage with a number of well-known artists, including Manu Militari, Sans Pression, Rymz and Souldia.
Auteur-Compositeur-Interprète, originaire de Hull au Québec, Ced Auger (Cédric Auger) est né le 12 Février 1992. C’est aujourd’hui un artiste émergent dont les talents dans toutes les facettes de la création musicale sont aujourd’hui reconnus et appréciés d’un public de plus en plus large. Fils de musicien, il se met très jeune à la guitare et se découvre rapidement une voix particulière qu’il développe et perfectionne au fil des années. Sous le pseudonyme « Elmaniak ». Il produit plusieurs chansons qui ont marqués son époques dans le rap Québécois donc ‘’ J’ai Mal ‘’ , ‘’Te souviens tu ‘’ , ‘’Mélodie ‘’ pour nommer que ceux-ci. Il a fait le tour du Québec et a performer sur scène avec plusieurs artiste reconnu du milieu donc Manu Militari, Sans Pression, Rymz, Souldia.
“From her virtuoso playing emanate strong, sparkling melodies and an often joyous energy (…) the advent of an artist capable of putting a fine sheen of modernity on West African tradition” (La Presse, 2022). The Gambian-British artist takes center stage with her majestic kora: an atypical image, but one that is full of joy and hope, to see a woman confidently play this symbolic instrument; to see her embody tradition and fully embrace her status as a griot; to see her, too, assume with aplomb her desire to shake up conventions with a breath of Jazz, she who counts tens of millions of views on web platforms. Her 2nd album, Badinyaa Kumoo (2022), 7 years in the making, includes a collaboration with Youssou N’Dour.
Living between England and Gambia, Sona Jobarteh enjoys the title of pioneering kora virtuoso in Africa. From New York to Paris, the press follows her every move, and she expresses herself not only on stage, but also through internationally-attended conferences. His boundless humanity spills over into his social struggles, including his active role in musical education in Gambia. After a memorable concert on the outdoor stage of the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique last July, Sona will this time be performing an indoor concert, accompanied by her young son on Balafon.
“De son jeu virtuose émanent des mélodies fortes, scintillantes, et une énergie souvent joyeuse. (…) l’avènement d’une artiste capable de mettre un fin lustre de modernité sur la tradition ouest-africaine” (La Presse, 2022). La britano-gambienne trône au centre de la scène avec sa majestueuse kora: une image atypique, mais ô combien réjouissante et porteuse d’espoir, de voir une femme jouer avec assurance de cet instrument symbolique ; de la voir incarner la tradition et endosser pleinement son statut de griotte ; de la voir, aussi, assumer avec aplomb son envie de bousculer les conventions d’un souffle Jazz, elle qui compte des dizaines de millions de vues sur les plateformes web. Son 2e album, Badinyaa Kumoo (2022), en gestation pendant 7 ans, inclut notamment une collaboration avec Youssou N’Dour.
Vivant entre l’Angleterre et la Gambie, Sona Jobarteh jouit du titre de pionnière virtuose de la kora en Afrique. De New-York à Paris, la presse suit ses moindres manifestations, ne se contente pas de la scène pour s’exprimer mais également par des conférences internationalement suivies. Son humanité sans borne se déverse dans ses luttes sociales dont son rôle actif dans l’éducation musicale en Gambie. Après un concert mémorable sur la scène extérieure du Festival international Nuits d’Afrique en juillet dernier, Sona nous proposera cette fois-ci un concert en salle, accompagnée de son jeune fils au Balafon.
DJ Paul, real name Paul Duane Beauregard, born January 12, 1975 in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American rapper, producer, disc jockey and entrepreneur. He is a founding member of the group Three 6 Mafia and the half-brother of rapper Lord Infamous.
DJ Paul, de son vrai nom Paul Duane Beauregard, né le 12 janvier 1975 à Memphis, dans le Tennessee, est un rappeur, producteur, disc-jockey et entrepreneur américain. Il est membre fondateur du groupe Three 6 Mafia et le demi-frère du rappeur Lord Infamous.
For those insatiable for original creations, the FMA presents a new episode in the Sidi Bémol saga on the other side of the world, Guellal Montréal. The exceptional composer, singer and musician signs a most poignant opening. This show, which promises to be passionate, courageous and sincere, is a true declaration of love from a seasoned artist to a universe he knew nothing about until he explored its foundations on numerous trips to Quebec.
Pour les insatiables de créations originales, le FMA présente un nouvel épisode de la saga Sidi Bémol à l’autre bout du monde, Guellal Montréal. Le compositeur, chanteur et musicien d’exception signe ici une ouverture des plus poignantes. Ce spectacle, qui s’annonce passionné, courageux et sincère, est une véritable déclaration d’amour de la part d’un artiste chevronné à un univers dont il ignorait la teneur jusqu’à ce qu’il en explore les fondements à l’occasion de nombreux voyages au Québec.
Émergeant de la vibrante scène londonienne Windmill avec leur premier album For the first time, Black Country, New Road s’est rapidement imposé comme l’un des groupes à suivre en 2021. L’album a apporté une influence éclectique couvrant tous les genres et a été acclamé par la critique, recueillant le soutien des fans et des critiques, l’album a également été présélectionné pour le Mercury Prize.
Emerging from London’s vibrant Windmill scene with their debut album For the first time, Black Country, New Road quickly made inroads as ones to watch in 2021. The album brought an eclectic influence spanning genres and winning critical acclaim across the board, garnering support from both fans and critics, the album was also shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.
Nuits d’Afrique : Juan Carmona avec Youba Adjrad au National
by Rédaction PAN M 360
Reconnu sur le plan international et repoussant les frontières de son art, Juan Carmona est une figure emblématique de la guitare flamenca contemporaine. Adepte du duende, il a côtoyé les plus grands noms du Flamenco et composé des œuvres qui sont interprétées par de prestigieux orchestres partout dans le monde. Il a également collaboré à la trame sonore du film La belle histoire, de Claude Lelouch. Son dernier album, “Zyriab 6.7”, rend hommage au pionnier de la musique arabo-andalouse: “un opus passionné (…) un voyage qui nous fait découvrir les délicatesses de la Méditerranée” (jazzradio.fr, 2021). “Partout où Zyriab est passé, j’invite un artiste emblématique du pays en question”. Youba Adjrad, algérien installé à Montréal et star du télécrochet Arab Idol, fait partie de cette liste sélective. Le compositeur et interprète de Raï, Chaabi et musique berbère est, dit-on, l’une des plus belles voix arabes au monde.
Always pushing the boundaries of his art, Juan Carmona is recognized internationally as one of the best guitarists of the new flamenco generation. Imbued with duende[AN1] , he has worked with the biggest names in flamenco and composed works that have been performed by orchestras worldwide. He also contributed to the soundtrack of the Claude Lelouch film, La Belle Histoire. His latest album, Zyriab 6.7, is a tribute to Arab-Andalusian music: a passionate work (…) a journey that lets us discover the exquisiteness of the Mediterranean” (jazzradio.fr, 2021).”Wherever Zyriab goes, I invite an iconic artist from that country.”[AN2] Youba Adjrad, an Algerian Arab Idol star now living in Montreal, is on Juan Carmona’s list of distinguished collaborators. This singer-songwriter of raï, Chaabi and Berber music is said to have one of the most beautiful voices of the Arab world.
Joignez-vous à nous pour une soirée inoubliable de musique et de bonnes vibrations au Anthive Music Festival le 20 mai ! Préparez-vous à découvrir une vitrine de musique hip-hop et R&B des plus hot. La programmation comprend Alisson Shore, Because, Ritzo, Norma G et Ja¥en x District, avec des sons fournis par DJ Nino. Animé par Raygee de Southeast Cartel, ce festival promet d’être une soirée inoubliable. Préparez-vous à danser et à chanter sur vos tubes préférés dans une atmosphère électrisante.
Avec Alisson Shore, Because, Ritzo, Wally Wavy, Norma G et Ja¥en x District
Join us for an unforgettable night of music and good vibes at Anthive Music Festival on May 20! Be prepared to experience a showcase of the hottest hip-hop and R&B music. The all-star lineup features Alisson Shore, Because, Ritzo, Norma G, and Ja¥en x District, with sounds provided by DJ Nino. Hosted by Raygee of Southeast Cartel, this festival promises to be a night to remember. Get ready to dance and sing along to your favorite hits in an electrifying atmosphere.
Featuring Alisson Shore, Because, Ritzo, Wally Wavy, Norma G, and Ja¥en x District
Après la sortie célébrée de son premier album, Flore Laurentienne annonce la parution de Volume II, où le compositeur et musicien Mathieu David Gagnon poursuit son exploration de l’espace et du temps, grâce au mariage inspiré des cordes et des claviers.
La musique de Volume II témoigne de la majesté du fleuve Saint-Laurent, témoin discret du mouvement des astres et des saisons. À la manière d’un peintre qui représente un même objet sous les angles les plus divers, Gagnon y propose une série de variations sur le thème du grand fleuve, qui multiplient les distances et les approches.
Following an entrancing debut album Flore Laurentienne now presents Volume II, another palette of rich orchestral sound, where changing forces of water inspire metaphorical markers that navigate passages of life and time.
Composer Mathieu David Gagnon’s Volume II draws inspiration from the rivers and rugged wilderness of his native Quebec. In his return as Flore Laurentienne, Gagnon assembles vivid melodic motifs and delicate modulation with a vast string ensemble to emulate the tides of human experience.
Après un passage remarqué sur la scène lors de la 36e édition du Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, le chanteur et multi-instrumentiste à l’esprit libre, Cheikh Ibra Fam fera profiter, de nouveau, à son public de la richesse de son art musical qui marie un son Afropop à des balades, du Hip-Hop, du Reggae, du Funk et du Soul. Accumulant des années d’expérience au sein de l’Orchestra Baobab et sous le pseudonyme « Freestyle », le musicien sénégalais qui a été nommé « RFI Talent 2021 » sait mettre en valeur les cultures africaines avec les sonorités et les couleurs musicales de son époque.
Assurera sa première partie, l’artiste d’origine sénégalaise, Seydina, qui envoûtera son public avec sa voix d’or et cristalline. Ses compositions, peaufinées avec le talentueux guitariste Assane Seck, abordent des thèmes comme la paix, le partage, la famille et l’amour et ont pour objectif ultime d’éveiller les consciences et d’éduquer.
Au coeur de ce concert brilleront l’admiration fraternelle mutuelle et l’échange entre deux artistes qui enrichissent, chacun à sa façon, la scène musicale sénégalaise.
After his notable appearance on stage during the 36th edition of the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, this free-spirited singer and multi-instrumentalist will once again bring to his audience the richness of his musical art in which he combines his Afropop with ballads, hip-hop, reggae, funk and soul. This seasoned musician, who gained a wealth of experience as a member of the renowned Orchestra Baobab and under his stage name, Freestyle, was named “RFI Talent 2021” and certainly knows how to showcase African culture through the colourful and vibrant sounds of his era. Senegalese artist Seydina, who makes his appearance in the first part of this concert, is sure to enchant the audience with his sparkling, golden voice. His musical compositions, crafted with talented guitarist Assane Seck, explore such themes as peace, sharing, family and love, with consciousness-raising and education as the ultimate goal. At the heart of this concert is a mutual admiration and an exchange between these two artists who each, in their own way, have enriched the Senegalese music scene.
