Mozambique via Norway to Toronto

This week, Montreal is the place to be for global sounds as Mundial celebrates its seventh iteration. Lots of music to enjoy and schmoozing to be done. If you’re in the neighbourhood, check it out!

Coming next week to the Small World Centre, Spirit of the Narrows reveals a uniquely Canadian music and the stories of those who create it. Anne Lederman and Capucine Onn present a music “like no other, embodying Indigenous, French, English, American and Eastern European traditions, all played on a small box with four strings.” Savour the sounds of Aboriginal folk fiddling, and gain a perspective of life on the prairies.

Looking into December, another great night at the Centre brings Ivan Mazuze – a Norway-based composer, award-winning saxophonist, and world jazz artist from Mozambique. Deeply rooted in African jazz, his melodic tunes are backed by a powerful rhythm section, which gives space for improvisations, and moves between jazz and the African urban soundscape. Watch the quintet’s performance at Cosmopolite Scene – Oslo Kulturnatt; We’ll welcome them as a quartet on Friday the 8th.

This weekend, our friends at Batuki Music present Hommage à Signeur Tabu Ley Rochereau et Papa Wemba with Alliance Française at their Theatre. The concert features veteran Congolese music group, Cour des Grands, performing a sample of the works of Tabu Ley Rochereau and Papa Wemba to honour these giants of African music. Popular Congolese vocalist, Blandine Mbiya, joins the group for this tribute.