Montreal Cultural Calendar

Colombia – QC

For over 10 years, Afrovibes has been introducing the general public to the powerful and sacred rhythms of Haitian Vodou in all their forms: Rara, Ibo, Nago, Agbadja, Djoumba, Dahomey… The group creates a world where mesmerizing drums, Haitian spiritual songs, Nigerian Afrobeat and Martinique’s bèlè coalesce naturally. Led by the percussionist Emmanuel Delly, their music transports the audience into an altered consciousness that radiates strength and sincerity. Enhanced by a versatile female vocalist and rich arrangements with soul, jazz, rock and Latin influences, the band cultivates a deep and timeless Vodou-Afrobeat sound.

Chibane skillfully navigates between North African traditions, Gypsy jazz and engaged poetry. A staunch supporter of the Hirak, he was one of the first to lend his voice to this movement fuelled by an artistic impulse that mobilized an entire people and gave visibility to their determination. Banned from performing in his home country, he chose exile over silence. Now based in Montreal, the singer-songwriter infuses his chaâbi sound with cosmopolitan rhythms beautifully accentuated by an intense and warm voice that carries both pain and hope.

“Never again will we listen to the balafon in the same way,” (Le Monde, 2025). Strikingly modern and spirited, Kanazoé Orkestra’s sound combines the balafon and drums of Mandinka and Sambla traditions with Nigerian Afrobeat and South African amapiano, along with a good dose of irresistible rap and electro groove. With electrifying energy, the ensemble—led by the charming and brilliant Seydou Diabaté, whose balafon technique is simply breathtaking—celebrates Africa and the universality of its rhythms, bringing ancient traditions to life at 200 bpm! With humanity and social awareness, Kanazoé Orkestra’s fourth album, Balabeatz (2025), speaks to the world by embracing the vibes of its time, without ever losing sight of its roots.

With powerful drumming, lively singing, and twirling skirts, Suraras do Tapajós takes us into the heart of the Amazon. But don’t be fooled! The rhythms are joyful but their lyrics are profound and serious. This first all-female carimbó group sings of life, resistance, and the memories of the peoples of Brazil’s Lower Tapajós region. As gentle as they are rebellious, the women share their deep connection to nature, pay tribute to women’s solidarity and strength, and advocate for the defence of ancestral lands and Indigenous rights. Emanating a magnetic aura, a determined spirit of rebellion, and a deeply rooted vitality, Suraras do Tapajós were unanimously selected for the WOMEX Showcase 2025.

In Cuba, music is heard everywhere, all the time: bolero, cha-cha-cha, danzón, filin, guajira, guaracha, habanera, mambo, rumba, son, timba, you name it! All those lively, exhilarating and incredibly varied rhythms are instantly recognizable and set the pace for daily life. Under the musical direction of Julio de Armas, Septeto de Montreal’s zesty brass, intense percussion and infectious good vibes make you want to dance and have fun, and just let go of everything else. True to its traditions, this group—which has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Isaac Delgado and Haila María Mompié—promises a fiery performance.

Eagerly awaited by festivalgoers, this breathtaking favourite event never fails to arouse powerful emotions. This year, Afrique en Cirque will celebrate its 40th anniversary in a spectacular fashion with a thrilling, large-scale production specially conceived for the occasion. Steeped in memories of West Africa, the company’s dizzying and athletic acrobatics, which burst forth from all directions, is set to the powerful and joyful rhythms of djembe drums, themselves guided by the magical and generous kora playing of Yamoussa Bangoura, Kalabanté’s founder and artistic director, and multidisciplinary artist who has worked with Circus Baobab, Cirque Éloize, Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia. Dance, music, contemporary circus arts, theatre and costumes are fully integrated, forming a single, cohesive aesthetic that fills the stage as a unified whole. The scenes and feats flow seamlessly into one another, creating a language that serves to share and connect cultures.