TVM: What kind of artists do you look for? Are there any specific qualities you seek? Hélène: First, good music (laughs), second we look for world music but that’s kind of a tricky term because everyone is kind of world music. We ask them to be good musicians, professional; if you have to be there at 8 don’t be there at 9, we want you to be able to work well as a team. TVM: Is there a specific audition process to become a part of the festival? Hélène:There are two different processes, international bands have to go through three showcases worldwide to figure out who is the hot band that year, who we should have, etc. We also keep contact with international journalists for any suggestions they can make about the artists from their countries. We request that international artists have a CD, have toured North America; because having a one shot concert here is pretty expensive. It’s better if they have at least 3 different dates here. For national artists we see them live or because they were in the Syli D’Or, played at Balattou, or we listen to their CD. So there isn’t really an audition, it’s a different process. TVM: Nice. What aspects of your job do you like the most? Hélène: This one now (laughs), I love the feeling of the festival, the audience going crazy because Angelique Kidjo is having an amazing show; this is what I prefer about my job being around the stage and working the stage.
“First, good music,
second we look for
world music”
TVM: Looking towards the future, what’s next for the festival? Do you have any artists in mind? Hélène: For now, there are so many new bands in Montreal that I would love to work with but we’ll see. We are always looking for new different talent to promote. Like we have Nuits D’Afriques Sound System which is more electronic rap/hip hop, urban music type bands that we always try to promote under the whole umbrella of world music. TVM: I have had the pleasure of being at a few shows now and there seems to be a real family oriented atmosphere, any thoughts? Hélène: Yeah, we do want this to be a family event. I mean you’re gonna see many children around at the outdoor venues. Lamine Touré always says that he makes this festival for children. He wants them to know their culture because children are so far from their culture. TVM: What do you feel is the overall message of the festival? What would you like the audience to gain from the festival? Hélène: Be curious to see band and culture that you don’t know. All the people who come for the first time generally have a great experience and they feel so comfortable. I want the audience to go an check things out; give it a shot. You can travel here and it’s less expensive than a plane ticket. TVM: Thank you so much for your time and I can’t wait for next year. Hélène: Thank you so much!
For more: www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com/en
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