Senaya

Born to a Guadaloupean mother and a Senegalese father, Senaya is an example of métissage in all that is most beautiful and rich. This lyricist, composer, performer and guitarist describes herself as an artist without borders or barriers. This vision of the world and Senaya’s many intercultural and multilingual qualities are what form the essence of the musical style she has created and that she calls soulkreyôl.

Senaya grew up in Dakar but has lived in many countries. Following her arrival in Montréal in 1996, Senaya co-founded the group Sunroots, before starting a solo career four years later. Then came the time of recognition: in 2003 and 2004, she was named the year’s winner at the Granby International Song Festival Competition and received the “Coup de cœur” award at the Vues sur la relève festival. In 2005, she co-produced her first album, Garde la tête haute, which earned her a Juno nomination. With her sister, she set up her own production company to meet her desires as an independent artist.

Her stage presence is remarkable, and her warn voice is haunting. Like her own métissage, her music is enriched by touches of blues, pop, jazz, folk and R&B along with African and Caribbean sounds. Urban groove, Afro and Caribbean-Africa are the three influences that will colour the three musical evenings hosted by Senaya this year at Nuits d’Afrique!