Les Syli d'Or de la musique du monde -En concert

The Syli d’Or gala event celebrating this fourth edition was the culmination of 36 concerts that showed a vitality, energy and richness proving the effervescence and quality of world music groups in Canada.

This album was recorded during the gala event at the Cabaret du Mile-End, with the three groups in nomination judged by a jury of professionals, backed by the vote of the audience. You’ll find Kabakuwo and their blended West African sound, Mayé, whose ségas and maloyas will take you to the Indian Ocean, and the fiery beats of Côte d’Ivoire with DjiDji.

This compilation offers you a glimpse of the immense talent of these artists, who will continue to be talked about. Opportunities to enjoy their music include shows this summer at Montreal’s 24th Festival  International Nuits d'Afrique as part of the Syli d'Or concert series.

The 2010 Syli d’Or of World Music has gone to Kabakuwo. This group, created in 2007, consists of versatile artists from varied backgrounds. From their repertory, there emerges a sound blending tradition and modernity, spanning West Africa and Quebec and bridging the warmth of acoustic instruments (kora, bass) and the raw energy of electronic music. Through its creations, Kabakuwo renews a traditional language while retaining immense respect for its West African origins.

Mayé, whose name in Réunion creole means blended, consists of seven members, drawn together by Numa, a football player, guitarist and singer who had already built a spot in Montreal’s musical landscape. Mayé provides an invitation to travel with their fusion of séga and maloya. Interspersed with traditional beats from Réunion, Mauritius and Madagascar, along with contemporary rhythms, their enchanting blend has earned them the Syli d’Argent of World Music.

Aristide Gnakalé Sahouo, a bass player from Côte d’Ivoire, formed DjiDji in Montreal right in the month of March 2007. Soon after it was formed, DjiDji welcomed the other indispensable pillars, William Atchouellou, a singer who is also from Côte d’Ivoire, Senegalese guitarist Hassan Seck, and saxophone player Michael Freed. Each artist brings his own musical world into creating this blend of African beats and sounds backed by western instruments. This is a recipe that never fails to delight the ears of the audience, and it has earned them the Syli de Bronze of World Music.