Montreal Cultural Calendar

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.

Santropol Roulant hangouts on Friday afternoons. The Roulant hosts a weekly Kiosque alimentaire / Friday Hang from June to October on the public space of the Terrasses Roy in front of the building.
Join your community every Friday from 4-6pm for the solidarity soup kitchen and vegetable sales, volunteering in the gardens, and karaoke! When: Fridays from June 28th to October 25th, 2026. What time: 4 to 6 PMWhere: Public space of the Terrasses Roy, 111 Roy Street East

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!

come hangout with us in parc lafontaine and be gay at the gay hill!!! also bring ur clothes that u r tired of and exchange them with others!

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!

Discover tomorrow’s hot artists

The perfect setting to enjoy outdoor shows while soaking up Montreal’s sweet summer vibe. Each evening features two artists or bands representing both varied and complementary musical genres, plus a DJ to set the mood between performances. Each season, the lineup places a strong emphasis on emerging talent: kick off your weekend by discovering the artists of the moment and those everyone will be talking about soon!

https://www.instagram.com/jerico_rony/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Asb2n22fL/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://youtube.com/@djjericorony?si=cH_eQzrYcaXyggli

“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.

Discover tomorrow’s hot artists

The perfect setting to enjoy outdoor shows while soaking up Montreal’s sweet summer vibe. Each evening features two artists or bands representing both varied and complementary musical genres, plus a DJ to set the mood between performances. Each season, the lineup places a strong emphasis on emerging talent: kick off your weekend by discovering the artists of the moment and those everyone will be talking about soon!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAHD86foGqE/o9go7yQoTmt0G-l1RUMNNA/view?utm_content=DAHD86foGqE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h24443ace3e
https://www.instagram.com/ritayemeli/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6PXzGJ34eUfJCqT_fRUPoA
https://www.tiktok.com/@ritayemeli
https://www.facebook.com/rita.yemeli.2025/

Tout au long de cette œuvre chorégraphique en cinq actes, le public est invité à découvrir la danse dans l’espace public à travers des propositions inédites, parfois participatives. Une expérience pour explorer la présence du corps, du mouvement et de la création.

« La vie passe, rapide caravane! Arrête ta monture et cherche à être heureux. » - Omar Kayyham, poète persan du 11e siècle
11 danseurs et danseuses vous offrent, en extérieur, dans un espace public, une expérience qui vous plonge dans les fondements de la danse, de la présence du corps et de la création. La Compagnie Marie Chouinard présente des événements composés de quelques œuvres inédites, des moments de danse pure qui font sens et font découvrir la danse autrement, des performances, parfois participatives, qui allègent le cœur, qui créent la joie de la redécouverte du corps et qui offrent le bien-être de la communauté retrouvée. Un enchantement empreint de bienveillance et qui réconforte.
Œuvre chorégraphique en cinq actes :
1. Oiseaux/oiselles 2. Mains-souffles-colonnes 3. Raconter la danse 4. Jeux 5. La colonne : substantifique moëlle
Dans le cadre du Programme de soutien aux actions culturelles
Annulé en cas de pluie abondante
Luigi Luna,Rose Gagnol, Clémentine Schindler, Motrya Kozbur, Michael Baboolal, Celeste Robbins, Carol Prieur, Adrian W.S. Batt, Valeria Galluccio et Jossua Collin Dufour

Discover tomorrow’s hot artists

The perfect setting to enjoy outdoor shows while soaking up Montreal’s sweet summer vibe. Each evening features two artists or bands representing both varied and complementary musical genres, plus a DJ to set the mood between performances. Each season, the lineup places a strong emphasis on emerging talent: kick off your weekend by discovering the artists of the moment and those everyone will be talking about soon!

https://www.instagram.com/jerico_rony/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Asb2n22fL/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://youtube.com/@djjericorony?si=cH_eQzrYcaXyggli

“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.

Embarquez pour un voyage musical avec Boubé, la nouvelle sensation du monde musical touareg.

Son mélange fascinant de rythmes africains et de musique traditionnelle nomade captivera votre âme. Soyez témoin de sa présence charismatique et de son jeu de guitare fougueux ne laissant personne indifférent.
Vivez la magie de Boubé. Sentez le rythme du désert palpiter dans vos veines.
Boubé (Aboubabcar Mazawadje) : Voix et guitare
Vincent Duhaime Perreault : Voix et guitare
Dylan Kell-Kirkman : Voix et basse
Sylvain Plante : Voix et batterie

Discover tomorrow’s hot artists

The perfect setting to enjoy outdoor shows while soaking up Montreal’s sweet summer vibe. Each evening features two artists or bands representing both varied and complementary musical genres, plus a DJ to set the mood between performances. Each season, the lineup places a strong emphasis on emerging talent: kick off your weekend by discovering the artists of the moment and those everyone will be talking about soon!

https://zalamkao.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559948740038
https://www.instagram.com/zalamkao/

Petna Ndaliko Katondolo

Mikuba nous transporte dans les veines de cobalt de Kolwezi, où les mineurs artisanaux gardent farouchement leur héritage ancestral.

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

Discover tomorrow’s hot artists

The perfect setting to enjoy outdoor shows while soaking up Montreal’s sweet summer vibe. Each evening features two artists or bands representing both varied and complementary musical genres, plus a DJ to set the mood between performances. Each season, the lineup places a strong emphasis on emerging talent: kick off your weekend by discovering the artists of the moment and those everyone will be talking about soon!

https://www.instagram.com/jerico_rony/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Asb2n22fL/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://youtube.com/@djjericorony?si=cH_eQzrYcaXyggli

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).

Les inscriptions seront ouvertes 48 heures avant la date de l'activité.
Billetterie : https://loisirs.montreal.ca/IC3/#/U5200/search/?searchParam=%7B%22filter%22:%7B%22isCollapsed%22:false,%22value%22:%7B%22sessionId%22:259,%22expertiseFieldIds%22:%22129,130,132,306,403,309,308,304,305,317,321,325,148,343,253,342,349,254,370,352,330,331,332,333,361,364%22,%22boroughIds%22:%227%22%7D%7D,%22search%22:%22Le%20Plateau%20s'anime%22,%22sortable%22:%7B%22isOrderAsc%22:true,%22column%22:%22description%22%7D%7D

Un atelier d’initiation au tir à l’arc où les jeunes pourront apprendre les rudiments de cette discipline olympique!

Grâce aux judicieux conseils des animateurs sur place, les jeunes auront la chance de s’initier aux bases du tir à l’arc et d’en apprendre davantage sur ce sport qui nécessite concentration et précision.

Les inscriptions seront ouvertes 48h avant la date de l'activité
Billetterie : https://loisirs.montreal.ca/IC3/#/U5200/search/?searchParam=%7B%22filter%22:%7B%22isCollapsed%22:false,%22value%22:%7B%22sessionId%22:259,%22expertiseFieldIds%22:%22129,130,132,306,403,309,308,304,305,317,321,325,148,343,253,342,349,254,370,352,330,331,332,333,361,364%22,%22boroughIds%22:%227%22%7D%7D,%22search%22:%22Le%20Plateau%20s'anime%22,%22sortable%22:%7B%22isOrderAsc%22:true,%22column%22:%22description%22%7D%7D

Venez partager l’énergie estivale en famille!

Profitez du beau temps pour bouger, danser et vous amuser au son d’une musique entraînante.
Parents, enfants, grands-parents et amis : tout le monde est bienvenu.

Les inscriptions seront ouvertes 48h avant la date de l'activité
Billetterie : https://loisirs.montreal.ca/IC3/#/U5200/search/?searchParam=%7B%22filter%22:%7B%22isCollapsed%22:false,%22value%22:%7B%22sessionId%22:259,%22expertiseFieldIds%22:%22129,130,132,306,403,309,308,304,305,317,321,325,148,343,253,342,349,254,370,352,330,331,332,333,361,364%22,%22boroughIds%22:%227%22%7D%7D,%22search%22:%22Le%20Plateau%20s'anime%22,%22sortable%22:%7B%22isOrderAsc%22:true,%22column%22:%22description%22%7D%7D

Prenez un moment pour vous reconnecter à votre corps et à votre souffle grâce à une série d’ateliers d’initiation au Qi Gong.

Laissez-vous entraîner dans la pratique de cette gymnastique traditionnelle chinoise associant mouvements lents, exercices respiratoires et concentration. Faites voyager votre corps et votre esprit.

Les inscriptions seront ouvertes 48h avant la date de l'activité
Billetterie : https://loisirs.montreal.ca/IC3/#/U5200/search/?searchParam=%7B%22filter%22:%7B%22isCollapsed%22:false,%22value%22:%7B%22sessionId%22:259,%22expertiseFieldIds%22:%22129,130,132,306,403,309,308,304,305,317,321,325,148,343,253,342,349,254,370,352,330,331,332,333,361,364%22,%22boroughIds%22:%227%22%7D%7D,%22search%22:%22Le%20Plateau%20s'anime%22,%22sortable%22:%7B%22isOrderAsc%22:true,%22column%22:%22description%22%7D%7D

Envie de prendre un moment pour vous? Joignez-vous à nous pour une séance de yoga en douceur.

Sous le doux soleil d’été, pratiquez en douceur une séquence de postures (asanas), d’exercices de respiration et de méditation pour améliorer votre souplesse, votre endurance et votre force musculaire.

Les inscriptions seront ouvertes 48 heures avant la date de l'activité.
Billetterie : https://loisirs.montreal.ca/IC3/#/U5200/search/?searchParam=%7B%22filter%22:%7B%22isCollapsed%22:false,%22value%22:%7B%22sessionId%22:259,%22expertiseFieldIds%22:%22129,130,132,306,403,309,308,304,305,317,321,325,148,343,253,342,349,254,370,352,330,331,332,333,361,364%22,%22boroughIds%22:%227%22%7D%7D,%22search%22:%22Le%20Plateau%20s'anime%22,%22sortable%22:%7B%22isOrderAsc%22:true,%22column%22:%22description%22%7D%7D

De BTS à Katseye, viens danser avec un spécialiste de la K-Pop!

C’est plus qu’un simple atelier : c’est un espace pour partager son amour pour la K-pop tout en apprenant ses chorégraphies préférées!
Toutes les suggestions sont les bienvenues.

Côte d’Ivoire – QC

Exeko propose une série d’ateliers ouverts à tous et toutes, invitant à se rencontrer, créer et réfléchir ensemble. Ces activités prennent place au cœur d’un espace vivant et pluriel, en dialogue avec les jardins et les initiatives de verdissement du site.<br />
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À travers différents médiums artistiques tels que la poterie, la teinture végétale et l’artisanat, utilisez des éléments de la nature urbaine pour confectionner des œuvres variées. Ces ateliers sont aussi une invitation à éveiller les sens au rythme des jardins. Le tout dans une ambiance apaisante et décontractée, faites une immersion sensorielle et créative au cœur de la ville.

https://exeko.org/fr/a-propos/

DR Congo – QC

Pretty much everyone can recognize, from the first few bars, the famous melody of “El Cóndor Pasa,” which was composed at the start of the 20th century by Daniel Alomía Rob and has since been covered thousands of times, most notably by Simon & Garfunkel. It is into this world that Mestizo takes us—the world of Andean popular culture, which is rooted in the festive music of pre-Columbian times. Inspired by neo-folk groups such as Los Kjarkas and Illapu, Mestizo skillfully blends the classic wind and string instruments to carry irresistible traditional rhythms like Saya, Huayno, Sanjuanito, Tinku, Cueca, Carnavalito and Trote.

Tout au long de cette œuvre chorégraphique en cinq actes, le public est invité à découvrir la danse dans l’espace public à travers des propositions inédites, parfois participatives. Une expérience pour explorer la présence du corps, du mouvement et de la création.

« La vie passe, rapide caravane! Arrête ta monture et cherche à être heureux. » - Omar Kayyham, poète persan du 11e siècle
11 danseurs et danseuses vous offrent, en extérieur, dans un espace public, une expérience qui vous plonge dans les fondements de la danse, de la présence du corps et de la création. La Compagnie Marie Chouinard présente des événements composés de quelques œuvres inédites, des moments de danse pure qui font sens et font découvrir la danse autrement, des performances, parfois participatives, qui allègent le cœur, qui créent la joie de la redécouverte du corps et qui offrent le bien-être de la communauté retrouvée. Un enchantement empreint de bienveillance et qui réconforte.
Œuvre chorégraphique en cinq actes :
1. Oiseaux/oiselles 2. Mains-souffles-colonnes 3. Raconter la danse 4. Jeux 5. La colonne : substantifique moëlle
Dans le cadre du Programme de soutien aux actions culturelles
Annulé en cas de pluie abondante
Luigi Luna,Rose Gagnol, Clémentine Schindler, Motrya Kozbur, Michael Baboolal, Celeste Robbins, Carol Prieur, Adrian W.S. Batt, Valeria Galluccio et Jossua Collin Dufour

“Boubé follows in the footsteps of several other Tuareg musicians who have emerged over the past 25 years, such as Tinariwen, Etran de l’Aïr, Imarhan, Bombino and Mdou Moctar,” (La Presse, 2025). The magnetic rhythms of his desert blues powerfully resonate with the sun-drenched spirit of Saharan nomads and the Tamasheq assouf; a repetitive, direct, and unpretentious groove, shaped by peace, travel and freedom, and carried by blazing guitars, hypnotic percussion and a deep, captivating voice. It’s like experiencing a gentle breeze shifting between soothing moments and the vibes of rock. Boubé’s latest album, Voyager (Disques Nuits d’Afrique, 2025), showcases the unique style of this charismatic guitarist and accomplished drummer.

After all these years, this inseparable trio still gets great pleasure out of making music together. You can hear it, feel it and see it. It would have been unthinkable to celebrate the Festival’s 40th anniversary without Jab Djab, especially since their cover of the hit “Hot Hot Hot” remains an undisputed favourite at Club Balattou, the Festival’s headquarters. Since its formation in 1973, Jab Djab hasn’t aged a bit. With its festive spirit, playful energy, thrilling improvisations and immense talent for getting the crowd on its feet, it is even more dynamic, generous, joyful and explosive than ever. From start to finish, the group serves up a hearty helping of wild calypso, soca and reggae. For this special occasion, they will be joined by King Shadrock, who co-wrote the tribute song for the Festival’s 35th anniversary, and whose raw and powerful voice adds intensity to a reggae-dancehall sound guided by the core principles of Rastafarianism.

Plongez dans l’effervescence musicale de la ville de Dakar avec, comme guide, le talentueux Zale Seck.

Dans une fusion envoûtante de tradition et d’innovation, les mélodies du musicien sénégalais portent l’essence de son patrimoine culturel, transcendant les frontières et captivant les publics du monde entier.
Zale Seck, musicien virtuose sénégalais, propose une musique qui transpire le bouillonnement musical de Dakar. Ancrée dans le patrimoine culturel sénégalais, la musique de Zale Seck transcende les frontières, mêlant rythmes traditionnels de son pays natal et influences contemporaines.
À chaque note, il tisse des histoires d’amour, de résilience et de l’expérience humaine, captivant les publics du monde entier.
Zale Seck, voix et percussion
Assane Seck, guitare
Axel Bonnaire, batterie
Benjamin Bonnaire, clavier
Pape Ndiaye, tama
Pierre Erizias, basse
Présentation de Vues d’Afrique.
Le spectacle est suivi à 21 h de la projection du film Timpi tampa

It’s Joyce N’sana’s stage presence that first catches your attention. Strong, compelling and captivating, she leaves no one indifferent. But it is her powerful voice, with its soulful inflections, that defines her highly charged performances bursting with reggae, gospel, Afrobeat, R&B, hip-hop, jazz and Afro-blues. All these influences come together in a musical universe steeped in Congolese traditions, which she calls Afrobluehop. This Révélation Radio-Canada 2021–2022, who has experienced civil war first-hand, sings in French, English, Lingala, and Lari to exorcise the dark chapters of her country’s history, with luminous, vibrant music that conveys a message of peace, love and harmony. Her album Télama (2024), a resolutely pop record inspired by the greatest female vocalists, is a unifying force.

La piste de danse des Jardins Gamelin est ouverte ! Espace Yambae vous invite tous les samedis soir à profiter d’une soirée où la culture latine est à l’honneur. Que vous soyez débutant·e·s ou pros du déhanchement, vous aurez l’occasion de peaufiner votre technique en compagnie de professionnels de la danse. Participez à un atelier en début de soirée et faites durer le plaisir en dansant sous les rythmes endiablés des DJs invité·e·s ! Venez seul·e·s ou accompagné·e·s, on vous prend en charge et il y a de la place pour tout le monde !

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” sang the legendary Celia Cruz, whose songs the group has covered. That phrase pretty much sums up its musical ambition. La Murga Ensamble is always raring to go at Montreal’s most popular Latinx events. Rooted in the feverish rhythms of salsa dura, boogaloo and other Afro-Caribbean vibes from the ’60s to the ’80s, the collective gathers together some of the city’s best Afro-Latinx musicians. Backed by sizzling brass, thunderous percussions, and authentic vinyl records, they take to the stage with the promise of an all-out party and an invitation to dance all night long.

Khalilou, un jeune étudiant qui, après que sa mère ait contracté un cancer lié à la dépigmentation, décide de dénoncer les standards de beauté dangereux.

Pour cela, il se déguise en Leila et participe au concours «Miss Étudiantes», dominé par les peaux claires, afin de permettre aux jeunes femmes à la peau foncée de briller.
Ce film aborde avec humour et émotion des thèmes d’estime de soi, d’identité et de lutte contre les préjugés.
Comédie dramatique de Adama Bineta Sow | France / Sénégal | 2024 | 83 min | V.O. wolof, S.T. français | G
Avec Pape Aly Diop, Yacine Sow Dumon et Nouroudine Diallo.
Présenté par Vues d’Afrique.
Ce film est précédé à 19 h d’une performance du musicien Zale Seck.

For almost sixty years, they have been making hips swing around the globe, and they are still going strong. In 2014, Tabou Combo closed the 28th edition of Festival International Nuits d’Afrique with abandon. They returned in 2016 to help celebrate the Festival’s 30th anniversary, playing at the former Metropolis, and then again in 2019 to mark their 50th anniversary, playing to a full house each and every time. A cornerstone of the Haitian music scene, Tabou Combo is THE legend of kompa, a music genre that embodies the Pearl of the Antilles from the very first notes and was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Their sophisticated sound, infused with rara, merengue, funk, rock, and soukous, showcases edgy guitar and dazzling brass, driving a syncopated groove that brings people of all ages together and gets them dancing. A happening steeped in history!

Colombia – QC

Cuba – QC

It would be impossible to describe Montreal’s West African music scene—or celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nuits d’Afrique—without talking about Aboulaye Koné, one of its most prolific and charismatic figures. Now we can add his sons to the list as well! Having matured into talented multi-instrumentalists in their own right, Taïrou, Lou-Gaël and Aboubacar. A perfectly natural thing to do when you belong to the griot tradition of carrying on the legacy from one generation to the next! Together, they sow the seeds of the baobab tree wherever they go, sharing Mandinka traditions, their deep roots, the richness of their customs and the wisdom of their teachings to audiences of all ages. With percussion and Mandinka guitar, Koné Kan puts its virtuosity at the service of its impressive musical heritage.

Infused with reggae, funk, jazz and rock, Sandya’s Gnawa music is a vibrant, celebratory space that, like an incantation, is shared exclusively by those present; a sacred circle where trance brings people together. The percussion beats out a rhythm, the brass instruments respond, and the violin soars… Rooted in the sacred traditions of dakka marrakchia and the Issawa, Sandya—led by the guembri master, Fathallah Cherkaoui, whose unique voice punctuates every chord—is pure joy and resonates like a call to dance and to let go, so we can better find ourselves, no matter where we come from.

Relaxing concerts to round out the weekend.

New this year: end your weekend on a gentle, beautiful note with intimate concerts, mostly instrumental or acoustic. Experienced musicians invite you to beat the Sunday blues by letting yourself drift into contemplation and discovery, as jazz, chamber music and bossa nova are played in a relaxing setting – perfect for one last al fresco evening before diving back into daily life.

https://www.facebook.com/jeanfelixmailloux
https://jeanfelixmailloux.com/projets/gentiane-mg-et-jean-felix-mailloux/
https://youtu.be/9m4q9_kp__E
https://www.instagram.com/cordame

“A musical project that is both festive and inclusive,” (La Presse, 2025). Would you like to dance? Get ready for a Montreal night to be filled with the aromas of a Rio Carnival. Surdo, conga, snare drum, tamborim, repique, chocalho: percussions reign supreme with this joyful band of musicians—winner of Silver at the 2026 Syli des Musiques du Monde awards—that energetically renders samba de roda, cabula, maracatu and other Afro-Brazilian rhythms at an impressive tempo. Full of jazz-inspired improvisations and catchy tunes, the exuberant music of this dynamic collective—founded in 2022 by Carlos Henrique Feitosa—is undeniably on par with that of Brazil’s renowned samba schools.

Elida Almeida “celebrates the modern appeal of her archipelago’s folklore, which she brings to life and embodies with a playful sensuality,” (Télérama, 2023). Winner of the 2015 Prix Découverte RFI, she is definitely turned towards the limelight. With heartfelt sincerity, she conjures up images of Cape Verdean life, bringing her country’s spirit alive with fiery and festive funaná, batuque and tabanka rhythms, which she reimagines with urban flair, while preserving their roots. Also a member of the Cesária Évora Orchestra, Elida upholds the legacy of the “barefoot diva,” even if she does not quite share the melancholy. Her new album, Spedju, intimate and introspective, places her voice firmly in the great Cape Verdean tradition.

Diblo Dibala is none other than the creator of soukous and one of the architects of the golden age of this infectious musical genre. A true and respected legend, he has inspired several generations of young artists. Without exception, every single one of his appearances at the Nuits d’Afrique International Festival over the last 40 years has caused a sensation. Naturally, he’ll be there for this anniversary edition. And there is no doubt that once again he will cast a spell over the audience with his frenetic rhythms! Nicknamed ‘Machine Gun’ for his dexterity on the guitar and his maddening seven-beat rhythms, Diblo Dibala delivers an explosive soukous that builds the energy to a crescendo, challenging anyone to resist the urge to sway their hips. Another legend – and a mainstay of leading bands such as Bella Bella (with Kanda Bongo Man), Loketo (with Aurlus Mabélé) and Matchatcha – Diblo Dibala continues to make his mark after a career spanning more than 50 years.

Those who were there are still talking about it. Among Nuits d’Afrique’s many highly memorable moments, Tiken Jah Fakoly’s closing concert of its 14th edition in the year 2000 is way up there, accompanied by Montreal musicians (they’re the best!). It marked the beginning of a mutual love affair with, as he put it, “the festival that serves as an ambassador for African culture,” (Radio-Canada, 2022). Each of his subsequent performances demonstrated the rapport between the artist and his Montreal audience. So, it is only natural for the international star to want to help celebrate the Festival’s 40th anniversary. With an astonishing stage presence, this fiery and influential reggae artist raises people’s awareness to counter illegitimate power and injustice, a self-driven mission. He advocates for unity and celebrates Africa’s diversity. Relentlessly. As if it were a mission he has set himself. The audience becomes hooked. Because he shakes things up, strikes a nerve. Because it’s true, heartfelt and resonates deeply. And because the irresistible brass, the sharp guitar riffs, and the well-balanced riddims make you desperately want to sing and dance. To express yourself.