On Friday, January 10, to close the week in style, we went to la Cigale to attend an exceptional concert. On the screen: the young prodigy code breaker and style inventor, who is a genius in his field: Mouhamed VJ broke the dam at La Cigale.

VJ, a Welsh rap phenomenon
VJ, it’s only 20 years. But don’t trust his young age. As a French writer once said, “The value does not wait for the number of years.” This quote fits him perfectly. On YouTube, his videos have nearly 100 million views. As for the streams, it is better not to talk about them to avoid offending anyone. Friday night in Paris, VJ performed for the first time at the mythical Cigale. And yet, to see him so comfortable on stage, one could think that he is a regular in the big halls. Full-length jogging, backpack, microphone on the lip: VJ took his audience in a galaxy of flows and vibes. Each note, both delicate and powerful, composes a captivating musical fresco. A performance that enchanted not only the ears, but also the hearts. Guest stars were on the stage: Warren, Jungeli or Seydouche.

An early artist
Mouhamed Abdoulaye Preira, aka VJ, was born in the early 2000s in the Medina district of Dakar. Divided between rap and football during his childhood, he eventually chose rap. At only 13, he is already a small celebrity in the Bopp neighbourhood. His first single, «Dans tes bras», is a hit. At 17, he charmed the public and quickly built up a solid fanbase, thanks in particular to his strong presence on social networks. So much so that he organized his first concert with only a few tracks to his credit.

From Hoside to Warner
VJ made his debut in the music industry by collaborating with Hoside to maintain its growing popularity. In 2022, he released an EP entitled «En Vrai», which his fans consider a real album. This EP gives rise to a series of shows throughout Senegal: the Esplanade du Grand Théâtre de Dakar, the Canal Olympia and the Esplanade du Musée des Civilisations Noires, among others. Eager to broaden his horizons, VJ then signs with the label Rec 118 of Warner Music, in partnership with Hoside and BLZ.

A Friday night incandescent
At 7 pm, the Cigale opens its doors which gives rise to a flood of fans who came to enjoy the performance of this 20 year old prodigy. Recognized for his scenic energy, VJ delivered a masterful performance worthy of an artist with several years of career behind him. This Friday night, he proved that he is much more than a rising star: he is an essential figure on the music scene, an artist on whom we will have to rely from now on.

After more than seven years of absence, the spirited Bo Diaw returns to his native Senegal to “gather strength” and promote his new album “The village”. On 12 December, at the Blaise Senghor Cultural Centre in Dakar, Bo Diaw presented this 10-track opus at a press conference and gave his vision of what a music industry should be.

Bo Diaw in two notes
Is it necessary to present it? To remind you that Bo Diaw was born and raised in Dakar, between vinyl records and disco rhythms, that he ticks almost all the boxes of actors who can be found in the music industry? Author, composer, performer, Bo Diaw is an artist who radiates power and joy. His authentic style, powerful voice and uncompromising frankness set him apart in an industry where sincerity is a rare quality. This complete and luminous artist is positioned not only as an accomplished musician, but also as a voice of the African realities. His many facets make him an artist at ease in all genres. Even if he practices afrobeat, Bo Diaw touches on all genres: reggae, pop, dancehall, pop… without ever giving up the African sounds, sap cocktail, which gives it this energy.

“The village”

Why ‘The Village’?
Why did you choose “The Village” as the title of this new opus? This album is above all a ‘travel experience’, says the artist, which stems from his travels around the world. It echoes the artist’s experience. In this musical environment, the world is not an artificial village but a miniature village where different peoples live together. Bo Diaw, as an ambassador of Senegalese culture, wanted to ‘’sell the destination Senegal in his own way’, with his sonorities. Also on this album, he tries to make Senegal shine, creating an African musical ecosystem, with connections and collaborations with several African artists. Bo Diaw artist who aims to set up a real music industry in Senegal.

Bo Diaw: the need for a music industry
‘Culture is the beginning and the end of everything’. After making a statement that no one can miss, he observes that there is no musical diplomacy in Africa and describes the decline in the quality of Senegalese music. Also saysIs it because of an organizational problem, due to the lack of a real music industry, he says, there are artists who have more than 100 million views on platforms and can’t make ends meet. to live decently of their art, in Africa and especially in West Africa, artists are not given value. But there is no reason to be discouraged. And to push the young people, in a world of discouragement abandoned by politicians, he answers with the title of a song from his new album ‘Never Give Up’.

Bo Diaw pays tribute to cultural actors
Bo Diaw, during his conference, did not fail to thank the many people and media who supported him. He warmly praised the journalist Aïssatou Diamanka for her support throughout her tour, as well as the cultural actors who work to promote the arts in Senegal. The artist also expressed her pride in seeing more and more women taking up positions of responsibility in Senegalese institutions, a significant step forward for the country.

Montreal is about to vibrate to the rhythm of melodies, which will open up new and inspiring sound spaces by this artist of Senegalese origin, Bo Diaw. On the edge of a musical style that has nothing to envy to others, the artist will unveil, on November 9, 2024, “The Village”. An album that promises to celebrate cultural diversity through mixed sounds and messages of hope. This album is a serene bridge between different cultures. A tangle of melodious notes that question us about ourselves.

“The Village”, a message of unity
This new album by Bo Diaw is the international news, especially in Quebec. The artist is a perfect example of his commitment to a more harmonious world. “The Village” is a true ode to global solidarity and unity. Each song on this album sounds like an invitation to recognize the beauty of our differences and the importance of connecting people. The pieces are linked together in a subtle mix of reggae, afrobeat, dancehall and pop, while paying tribute to the artist’s Senegalese roots. Beyond the artistic work, Bo Diaw really wanted to explore the authenticity and humanism of people. Behind each song, each title, there is a humanistic questioning that questions us.

A multifaceted journey
Born in Dakar, Bo Diaw grew up in an artist family. He was also immersed in the musical world from his childhood thanks to his father Abdou Diaw, member of the Senegalese group “Darray Kocc”. He grew up listening to vinyl and disco. As a teenager, he tried humor and theatre before turning to music. At only 17 years old, this young boy with a sunny smile joins the animation group Mballo Assiko, a musical and theatrical ensemble that will mark his debut as an interpreter. Bo Diaw never stopped digging into her roots while exploring new musical frontiers. Her first single, “This is my blonde!” , released in 2013, became a hit in Quebec. The artist’s musical career is on the rise, and international scenes are smiling at him. Later, titles such as “Hypnotize” in 2015 and “Yaw Lay Weur” in 2017, where he celebrates the African woman, confirm his status as a versatile and committed artist.

An internationally recognized artist Bo Diaw has made a mark not only on his music, but also on his commitment to diversity and the Senegalese culture. In 2018, he was awarded the Dynasty Gala in the category «Best Artist or World Music Group of the Year», a distinction that crowns years of efforts. The artist continues to enrich his musical repertoire by multiplying collaborations with emblematic figures of Senegalese music such as Didier Awadi or the group PBS. In 2021, he signed with “Nuits d’Afrique”, further strengthening his presence on the world music scene.

An evening not to be missed
The launch of this new album, “The Village”, will take place at the Afromusée in Montreal. The choice of venue is not trivial. Indeed, it perfectly reflects the values of diversity and inclusion so dear to Bo Diaw especially since he placed this album under the sign of unity and sharing.