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.

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).