It takes guts for an artist to try to change people’s attitudes and challenge conventional thinking. Chadian artist Ménodji Clarisse, aka Melodji, perfectly embodies this engaged and bold spirit. Without ever cowering, she speaks out against polygamy, still practised in far too many Sahelian countries, and uses words filled with symbolism to condemn all obstacles to democracy. A courageous stance, a strong voice, and versatile jazz and blues… it’s no wonder she was awarded Chad’s Chevalier de l’Ordre de Mérite in 2012.

For Melodji, her landlocked country is anything but cut off from the world. Her ambitious career path is proof of that. While her career took off in 2001, when she sang in two local bands, the young artist has since spread her wings, going solo while touring the United States and Europe. She now calls Canada home, the best place in the world to blossom as a performer.

Melodji’s magic lies in her vocal cords. Her singing is in tune with her emotions and the vulnerability of being loved, as on her song “M’nôh,” from her 2023 album of the same name, or in the enchanting, sexy duet in Afro-urban mode with Sutlan on his song “100 k” from 2019. You won’t be able to resist falling in love with this ambassador of Chadian culture who was among the Prix Découverte RFI 2015 finalists. Melodji and Festival International Nuits d’Afrique… Forever!