Often considered the largest world music festival in North America, annual Festival International Nuits d’Afrique of African, Caribbean and Latin music taking place every year in July in the city of Montreal (Quebec), in Canada brought avalanche of various music genre this time.
The festival was founded in 1987 by dancer and choreographer Lamine Touré.
Impressions of some in attendance below:
Said organiser Sepopo Galley: “It’s called Festival Nuits d’Afrique, but it’s open to all cultures, to all people. It’s a big family where everyone is welcome, whatever be its origin”.
Explained Clerel, singer with Only the Righteous: “In the universe in which we are here in Canada, it is indeed a showcase for some people who might not be very familiar with these universes. It is an opportunity to come into contact with these universes of African music at plural. For us artistes, it is above all a great chance to have this platform and to be able to share what we do”.
Observed Yemi Alade, Nigerian singer/songwriter: “There is something special here in Montreal. I just feel the connection. The connection is very strong. As long as I am healthy, as long as I am available, I will be here”.
Added Raphaële Tavernier, a news correspondent: “For the second consecutive year, this festival gave a big place to women. Objective: to give more visibility to committed artistes. During this 37th edition, in the Women of the World category, six women were selected, including four from Africa, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Senegal”.
