Labess’s international career is a source of pride for Nuits d’Afrique, where it all began for him in the 2000s when he performed regularly at the Club Balattou and was always ready to open for more established artists like Salif Keita and Idir. Authentic and resolutely spontaneous, he doesn’t hesitate to grab his guitar on a whim to strum a few chords by an alleyway, for the simple pleasure of sharing music. Driven by an innately nomadic spirit, this inveterate globetrotter travels the world seeking out music rooted in Africa to bring together a rich blend of musical traditions infused with Chaâbi, Gnawa, rumba, flamenco and Manouche rhythms. His guitar playing—at times melancholic or euphoric—accompanied by his gritty voice give rise to a style where lyrics oscillate “between lucid realism and great hope,” (RFI, 2025) but in which a festive atmosphere always prevails. He left a lasting impression at last year’s Festival, presaging a resounding return this summer.
