Montreal Cultural Calendar

West Africa – QC

The music of this self-taught, multidisciplinary artist is free-spirited and eclectic, much like himself. His creative mashups, synthesized on his MIDI keyboard, are a distillation of his diverse and iconoclastic tastes, ranging from Latin percussion to keb rap, from R&B to UKG, from reggaeton to Afrobeat, from baile funk to electro in all its forms, and the list goes on. Clearly, his musical passions will take him anywhere! But one thing is certain: his samples will never sacrifice dance!

Zalam Kao, “through a fusion of styles, embodies a kind of vibrant musical spirit that has been part of Montreal since the 1970s, namely an uninhibited blending of cultures that form the mosaic of our music scene,” (Le Devoir, 2026). This big winner of the 19th edition of the Syli d’Or de la Musique du Monde awards doesn’t hold back as it moves through jazz, funk and soul. Sunny and unifying, Zalam Kao’s music is not only eclectic, it’s truly mind-blowing! Global music has never carried its name so well.

It’s a return to his roots for Élage Diouf, whose career in Montreal began with Nuits d’Afrique almost 30 years ago, when he was discovered thanks to his appearance on the Colocs’ album Dehors novembre, on the song “Tassez vous de d’là” (yup, the one that everyone still pretends they know the words to as they try to sing along!) Élage and the three Sissokho brothers, Sadio, Fa and Noumoucounda—whose extensive careers are studded with collaborations with illustrious artists—have known each other for years. Tonight will be all about coming together. And it’s going to be wild! Djembes, dunduns, tamas… We’re talking about some seriously talented percussionists here! But that’s not all! The kora will also have pride of place, befitting its prestige and magical qualities. Mbalax, sabar and akasso along with smiles from ear-to-ear: this reunion won’t soon be forgotten, that’s for sure!

She sings to exist and to resist. “Powered by the rock vibe of the trio from Lyon accompanying her, Sahra Halgan has but one aim: to put her country on the world map,” (RFI, 2021). With her national flag always within reach, this emblematic artist from Somaliland—a small country that declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but is recognized by virtually no other nation—transforms each concert into an opportunity to speak out. Her raw, fiery voice breathes new life into ancient melodies that intersect with hard-hitting riffs and hypnotic drums at the crossroads of Ethio-jazz, Tuareg blues, and garage rock.

Lately, Kizaba has been going non-stop, with performances at venues around the globe in these last few months alone. The career of the man behind Future Village (Disques Nuits d’Afrique, 2025) is literally booming. Among the Révélation Radio-Canada 2024–2025, the artist embodies Afrofuturism, playing with a variety of styles, including roots, French touch, Afrobeat, folk, dubstep and Afro-pop rock, while he summons the ancestors to chart a future guided by their wisdom. A multi-instrumentalist, he creates a world where soukous guitars, explosive synths and an arsenal of percussion instruments collide to form a socially conscious, perfectly catchy and danceable Congolese electro sound that bridges ancestral memory, the golden age of SAPE and a holographic vision of a future waiting to be reinvented.

On WEDNESDAY, July 15, just before the Systema Solar concert, come enjoy the ICI MUSIQUE DJ Set hosted by CATHERINE PÉPIN!

Tailored for dancing, Systema Solar’s infectious vibe emerged from the picós of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The collective’s “dauntless, madcap spirit,” (Billboard, 2017) led to shows that are part neighbourhood festival, part alternative scene, and wholly addictive. Mixing cumbia, champeta, bullerengue, hip-hop, and electro without restraint, their performances are full-on from start to finish.

Brazil – QC

Let yourselves be immersed in the passionate traditions of Andalusia and Cuba with the sensuous jazz-infused flamenco rumba of this Montreal-based quintet. Soft guitars, nimble piano and subdued percussions all contribute to their melodies charged with the raw emotion inherent in the spirit of copla, flamenco and bolero. And then there is the warm husky voice and stage presence of Fernando “El Bancalero” Gallego, that invites the audience on a lyrical journey that is both shared and personal. This is music to be savoured!

From the arid lands of the Sahel to the shores of Essaouira, Gnawa music captivates. The thrumming guembri, the piercing krakeb, the resonant tbel and Salamate Gnawa’s jubilant spiritual chants, which blend harmoniously with blues, jazz, flamenco, zouk and rock rhythms, are beyond compare. They create a mystical and fervent conversation that is utterly fascinating. Like magic, the spirit of the ancestors rise, transforming the stage into a modern-day lila. Energetic, spellbinding and therapeutic, the experience is both intimate and communal.

His credo is simple: 100% fun, zero compromise. A regular at Montreal’s Afronick events, this lively drummer, singer and undeniably charismatic performer, knows how to connect with his audience and get the crowd grooving to the beat. His repertoire combines smooth kompa love, free-spirited reggae, invigorating Afrobeat and expressive rap-soul—all the ingredients for an outstanding festive night out!

Their voices intertwine like the fingers of clasped hands. A story of sisterhood, Somos Más was born in the intimacy of kitchens and living rooms, where personalities are revealed and bonds are cultivated. This collective made up of women from diverse cultural backgrounds—from Quebec to Latin America—sings of friendship, resilience, and the strength of “us, together.” Their vocal harmonies, warm and luminous, are set against cozy guitar, ukulele, bass and percussion arrangements. In both their original compositions and covers, Somos Más celebrates tenderness without ever sacrificing power. Because together, they transform the “us” into a horizon.

High-tension guitar riffs explode. The wall of massive, relentless percussions looms large. With a raw and totally urban vibe, this group of seasoned musicians reinterprets the cumbia inherited from their Afro-Indigenous forebearers, infusing it with a good dose of psychedelic rock. The drums, bass, guitar, congas, timbales, keyboards and other percussion instruments transform the spirit of the Andean folk dance into a multicultural trance that’s uniquely Montreal. Fiery, wild, and utterly irresistible!

On THURSDAY, July 16, just before the Fulu Miziki Kolektiv concert, come enjoy the ICI MUSIQUE DJ Set hosted by CATHERINE PÉPIN!

“Kinshasa is bursting with stars, and Fulu Miziki Kolektiv is the wildest of them all,” (RFI, 2025). Fulu Miziki, literally “music from garbage” in Lingala, has made a splash by transporting the sounds of Kinshasa’s streets into an Afro-futuristic, techno-punk trance sound stamped with Congolese rumba and coupé-décalé that they call “twerkanda.” Once discarded objects are recycled into hand-made instruments, which the percussionists beat as if their life depended on it, releasing furious energy with urgency to take action to save the planet, amplified by their raw, powerful voices rising from the depths of their souls and through DIY cyber-costumes that reflect their commitment. Zero waste, 100% impact!

Angola – QC

Pablo José’s accordion embodies the spirit of vallenato music from Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It laughs, it sighs, it laments and it celebrates; it serenades, entertains, gets people dancing and rekindles memories. The caja and guacharaca, which provide a refined accompaniment to the accordion, tap into the full range of emotions, transforming every performance into a moment of connection and warmth. All you need to do is let yourself be carried away by the music to suddenly find yourself on a joyful journey between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía del Perijá.

Former members, respectively, of Babylone, El Dey and Freeklane—three iconic bands of Algeria’s new music scene that began in the early 2000s—Ramzi (guitar), Fadi (keyboard) and Yacine (drums) pooled their experiences to form a “supergroup that’s shaking up Montreal,” (Le Devoir, 2025), by teaming up with Zaki (derbouka), Yacine (bass), Khalil (percussions) and Adel (vocals). Winners of Bronze at the 2026 Syli des Musiques du Monde award, Bastin Band rocks the stage with their explosive blend of raï, funk, soul, pop rock and North African rhythms like chaâbi and diwane. Playing covers in their own unique style as well as original compositions, the band has but one goal: to get everyone dancing in a party atmosphere!

His recent contribution to the soundtrack of the hit series Heated Rivalry has garnered considerable attention. With his fellow musicians, Richy Jay exudes infectious energy. Creole, French, English and Spanish blend together in kompa and zouk tunes infused with Afro-pop, reggaeton and dancehall, creating a meeting point between the rhythms of his Caribbean roots and his passion for Quebec. His sunny refrains convey a rich, vibrant, fluid and multifaceted identity. His sixth album, Caribbean Love, like a summer evening by the water, is a playful and inviting call to surrender to love, harmony, and dance!

“See the music and hear the movement.” That’s how the group’s co-founder Estelle Lavoie summarized Taafé Fanga’s process. Vigorous dance moves, powerful percussion and boundless energy. A combination of kora, balafon, djembe, dundun, krin and sabar, accentuated by frenetic and expressive dancing—it’s so exciting that it’s sometimes hard to know where to look… what a thrill! Winner of the first edition of the Syli d’Or de la Musique du Monde in 2007, Taafé Fanga’s performances are a testament to the members’ passion for West African rhythms.

“She can do it all,” (The Gazette, 2024). Lorraine Klaasen is part of Nuit d’Afrique’s own story. She was there right from the start and it’s only natural that she is returning as a cherished guest for the Festival’s 40th edition! If she gets her talent and charisma from her mother, the renowned Thandie Klaasen, and her confidence from rubbing shoulders with such legends as Nelson Mandela and Miriam Makeba, Lorraine Klaasen’s internationally acclaimed career is wholly down to her hard work, high standards and determination to let the audience feel every word she sings—even if they don’t understand the language. This grande dame, with a warm, ageless, powerful and elegant voice, whose nuances are beautifully underscored by dedicated musicians, carries on traditions from South Africa’s townships, delivering a captivating blend of marabi, jazz, blues, soul and Zulu rhythms.

On FRIDAY, July 17, just before the Admiral T concert, come enjoy the ICI MUSIQUE DJ Set hosted by PHILIPPE FEHMIU!

Since 2014, he has performed on several occasions at the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, each time amazed by the receptiveness, appreciation and diversity of the festival’s audience, of whom he has become a crowd favorite. His presence to celebrate the 40th anniversary was only natural! In three decades, Admiral T has become the king of the Caribbean reggae-dancehall sound. That’s no exaggeration for an artist who’s able to fill the 20,000 seats at the Paris-Bercy Accor Arena. Influenced by sound systems and inspired by legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Admiral T blends gwoka, biguine, salsa, R&B, hip-hop and electro, all generously sprinkled with glitter and light. “A true pop cultural phenomenon … one of the rare superstars to emerge from the Creole-speaking community,” (La Presse, 2014).