KASSAV'

The inventor of zouk is celebrating its 30th birthday! It's hard to keep track of all its gold records - and platinum records. The group has toured the world and almost revolutionized the meaning of the word "celebration", now synonymous with zouk. With a pinch of funk and rock, Kassav' long ago conquered the planet.

Érik

With singing in Creole, French and English, ranging from wicked African rhythms to the velvety moods of Caribbean jazz and blending the flow of dancehall with the magic of biguine, Erik's music is ambitious and warm, in perpetual motion.

Omar Pene

Emotions are always strong with Omar Pene. His explosive, feverish music leads to euphoria; an insistent, vibrant beat sends a shiver up the spine, leaving nobody indifferent. A fixture on the Senegalese musical scene for more than 30 years, this singer from the legendary Super Diamono is a committed artist who spreads a message of solidarity worldwide, never forgetting that his music is above all an invitation to celebrate.

Nomfusi

Nomfusi, a spiritual daughter of Miriam Makeba inspired by the vigour of Tina Turner, thinks big! Her dream of international recognition is taking shape. With plenty of traditional rhythms, R&B, rock and Motown, and joined by her group's six members, she ignites North American stages with the effervescence, warmth and flamboyance of the South African city of Cape Town.

Richard Kara

His voice sings his soul, and his body celebrates dance. Richard Kara lives in France but has Côte d'Ivoire tattooed on his heart. Sensitive to the political and social problems unsettling his country of origin, he sings hope. A lover of Africa's cultural wealth and the long way it has come, he puts back in his music — to which he dances with flair — its reggae, zouk, soul and Afrobeat influences

Diblo Dibala in action

«Move, move... Move, move, move.» A star of soukouss, a musical genre that has rocked Congolese rumba and changed its look to produce a mix of traditional African and Caribbean beats, this accomplished musician has done the rounds of the planet's world music clubs. With his legendary guitar solos and fingers that pluck the strings at hallucinating speed, he has helped popularize African music in the West.

Zal Idrissa Sissokho

Seeing Zal Idrissa Sisskho slide his fingers skilfully over his melodious kora and letting the magical sounds from his instrument sink in is a unique experience.

Jimmy Oihid

An explosive mix of Chaâbi, Gnawa, Arabo-Andalou, R&B,
Funk and Reggae.

Wes'li

Radio-Canada (CBC) Revelation of the year 2009/2010, Babel Med Music Award in France and Nominee for the Canadian Folk Music Awards and Gala Soba in the World Solo Artist of the Year category. Born and raised in Haiti, world music artist Wesli comes up as a strong player in this new generation of artists. Multi talented singer, guitar player, percussionist, producer and arranger, he is described as «Montreal's revelation».

INUS ASO

It is a tradition now for the Festival to acknowlegde Bob Marley's vast influence by a tribute to his music. Inus Aso, which means "what we have inside", will be performing covers of Marley's reggae. A must for all his fans as well as the reggae lovers!

Mbeng-Ntam

A traditional danse company from Gabon.

Karim Ouellet, Sénégal, Qc

He's working on his first solo album scheduled in fall 2010. A mix of hip hop, jazz, folk, reggae with electro. Member of the collective Movèzerbe.

Jah Lex et Raw Sugga Band

Jungle King Sound invites you to an unforgetable «sound system» evening. Members of the Raw Sugga Band are long-time classmates and they just feel like a family.» They've been building their own studio and are on their way to release a first album. Lead singer Jah Lex and his band are ready to give it all!

Melao

Band formed in Quebec in 2002, Melao Orchestra gets its groove from its inspiration, salsa, merengue, cumbia and other latin musics.

Molamizik

The Encounter! Meeting of Rhythms and Cultures. Musicians from Africa (Mauritius) and North and South Americas. This event meant to be a link between communities. From Reggaes to Dance Music with a touch of Latin rythms, Molamizik: A selection of great classics!