Montreal Cultural Calendar

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.

“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.