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Manding Percussion Workshop with Aboulaye Koné

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
WhereVillage des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/atelier-2026/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
Côte d’Ivoire – QC

Ndombolo Workshop with Melo Omat

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time3 pm – 4 pm
WhereVillage des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/atelier-2026/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
DR Congo – QC

Mestizo

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
WhereScène Loto-Québec, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/mestizo-6/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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.

Boubé

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time5 pm – 6:15 pm
WhereScène Loto-Québec, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/?post_type=concerts&p=64627&preview=true
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
“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.

Jab Djab & King Shadrock

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time6 pm – 7:15 pm
WhereScène TD, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/jab-djab-king-shadrock/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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.

Joyce N'Sana

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time7 pm – 8:15 pm
WhereScène Loto-Québec, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/joyce-nsana-2/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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 Murga Ensamble

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time8:15 pm – 9:30 pm
WhereScène TD, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/la-murga-ensamble-2/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
“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.

Tabou Combo

DateSaturday, July 18, 2026
Time10 pm – 11:15 pm
WhereScène TD, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/tabou-combo/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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!

Cumbia and Afro-Colombian Dance Workshop with Yambae

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
WhereVillage des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/atelier-2026/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
Colombia – QC

Cuban Salsa Workshop with Tito Salsabor

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time3 pm – 4 pm
WhereVillage des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/atelier-2026/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
Cuba – QC

Aboulaye Koné

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
WhereScène Loto-Québec, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/aboulaye-kone/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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.

Sandya Fusion

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time5 pm – 6:15 pm
WhereScène Loto-Québec, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/sandya-fusion/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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.

Tamboréal Samba Bloco

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time6 pm – 7:15 pm
WhereScène TD, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/tamboreal-samba-bloco/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
“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

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time7 pm – 8:15 pm
WhereScène Loto-Québec, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/elida-almeida/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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 et Matchatcha

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time8:15 pm – 9:30 pm
WhereScène TD, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/diblo-dibala-et-matchatcha/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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.

Tiken Jah Fakoly

DateSunday, July 19, 2026
Time10 pm – 11:15 pm
WhereScène TD, Village des Nuits d'Afrique, Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
PriceFree
Linkhttps://www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en/concerts/tiken-jah-fakoly/
Tags
Nuits d'Afrique outdoors
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.