CLAIR MC & Auro Moura

CLAIR MC | Slam (Senegal)

Ousseynou Ndiaye, known by his stage name Claire Mc, is a versatile artist from Thiès, Senegal. A rapper, poet, hip-hop dancer, and reggae singer, he has been a key figure in Senegal’s urban culture scene since the 1990s. In 2001, he founded the group DENCUKAAYU KANG in Thiès with his brothers AMLY and WALY. Their album Bayi Thi Khel (2006) brought them national recognition through their socially conscious rap, blending poetic expression with slam influences. In 2010, Claire Mc embarked on a solo career focused on slam poetry, refining his lyrical depth and performance style. Named Best Slam Poet of Senegal in 2016, he reached the semifinals of the World Slam Poetry Cup in France the following year. His performances have taken him to major international festivals such as FISH MALI, the Rio Poetry Slam in Brazil, and the International Slam/Poetry Festival in Acadia (FISPA) in 2019. Now based in Montreal, Claire Mc continues to expand his artistic reach with the collective GREFF ART while working on his upcoming album Cicatrice. The project blends slam, rap, and reggae, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and peace. Through his art, Claire Mc stands out as a committed and authentic voice, bridging cultures between Senegal and Canada while championing poetic and conscious expression.

Auro Moura | MPB, Rock, Funk (Brazil)

Auro Moura is a versatile musician from Brazil who has been based in Montreal for nearly ten years. With over two decades of experience, he has established himself as a respected singer, songwriter, music producer, and educator. As a composer, he has contributed to the creation of four albums and one EP, while lending his musical expertise to film, advertising, dance, and theatre. Since moving to Quebec, Auro Moura has been dedicated to promoting Brazilian music and culture, co-founding the musical program Les Brasileirinhos and the Chœur Scénique Brésilien — two initiatives that celebrate and share the richness of Brazilian cultural heritage. His artistic approach stands out for its subtle blending of Brazilian roots with international musical influences, moving beyond the familiar boundaries of bossa nova or samba-reggae to explore new sonic landscapes. In recent years, Auro Moura has strengthened his presence in Montreal’s arts scene. A recipient of a mentorship grant from Diversité Artistique Montréal (DAM) in 2019, he also received three consecutive research-creation grants from the Conseil des Arts de Montréal (2020, 2021, and 2022), recognizing his ongoing contribution to the local cultural landscape. In 2023, his work was highlighted through the Alliance project by MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels), affirming his commitment to promoting Brazilian music in Quebec while asserting a unique and inspiring artistic voice.