A veteran of socially engaged reggae and the African renaissance, this living legend is getting ready to electrify Montrealers with a performance that promises to be one for the ages! Demands for justice and equality set to beats that raise both awareness and heart rates. Expect to be blown away by Tiken Jah Fakoly and his band, who are ready to deliver the best of their 11-album repertoire for the Festival’s 40th anniversary. Big it up!

Doumbia Moussa Fakoly is one with Jah and with his earthly realm. Since the early 1990s, when Fakoly’s career began to take off, the singer-songwriter has used his music to call out political corruption across Africa and the injustices suffered by her people. Even “Délivrance” and “Plus jamais ça,” his first global hits from the iconic Mangercratie album, carried this message, which continues to shape his songs to this day. A powerful stance set to arrangements inspired by reggae’s Jamaican roots and African instruments. On stage, a perfectly balanced blend of drums, balafon and n’goni, dub bass and electric guitar, and naturally, a female chorus in the purest Marley tradition.

Every album released by this Ivorian star—who has over 863k subscribers on his YouTube channel—is an event in itself. His new EP CHORALES, which came out this spring, is a stripped-back, vocal-focused collection that offers a fresh take on seven tracks, including “Plus rien ne m’étonne” and the tender “Tata” that sends shivers down your spine from the very first chords. Choirs from Abidjan and Troyes amplify the timeless words and socio-political messages of this dedicated humanist known as Tiken Jah Fakoly, who advocates for peace and harmony among the peoples of Africa in the wake of the chaos resulting from colonialism. A lifelong Pan-Africanist, he champions this cause like no other artist.

A firm believer in the power of outspoken activism, this artist—who stays abreast of global issues—doesn’t hold back from reaching out to younger generations, especially through his music, because social ills and injustices affect people of all ages. Singing a duet with French-Comorian rapper Soprano on the song “Le monde est chaud,” about cynicism regarding climate change, or about territorial inequality on “Ouvrez les frontières,” Tiken Jah Fakoly never lacks inspiration when it comes to helping us see our fellow human beings in a new light and encouraging us to become better people. “We Love Africa.” And Montreal loves TJF! Let’s shower him with that love by raising our fists in support and letting loose in what promises to be a spectacular evening!

19/07/2026