The Makandra Social Center in Mana hosts, from November 9 to 15, the thirteenth artistic residency of the Paul-Henri Gérard Festival. Drums, songs and traditions intertwine to offer a unique immersion in the cultures of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion and Guyana.
In one of the lively rooms of the Makandra Social Center, overseas artists rehearse with passion, uniting their voices and instruments. The Paul-Henri Gérard International Storytelling Festival, celebrated for 18 years, highlights this residency as a place of exchange and transmission where each artist brings their influences, and where traditions meet to create a collective work.
It's the first time I've seen such synergy between artists from such varied backgrounds. It's a live show that's being prepared, an invitation for residents to discover the beauty of this musical mix.
he confides.
Among the artists, Steve Suédile, alias Diso, Martinican percussionist, sees this residency as an opportunity to open up to new influences.
Meeting musicians from other backgrounds is an enrichment. Here, I collaborate with pianists, bassists and percussionists. It's an intense learning experience, which brings me a lot.
The residence also takes on an intergenerational dimension with emblematic figures such as Camille Hildevert, nicknamed Camille Sopran'n. This renowned saxophonist, former member of the legendary Vikings of Guadeloupe, shares his experience:
Being here is like a homecoming. I find familiar sounds, but youth adds a new touch. This mix of generations and musical influences is the strength of this residency.
As for Pierre-Édouard Décimus, co-founder of the Kassav' group and supervisor of the residency, he speaks of an exchange as enriching for him as for the young artists.
I come to pass on my experience, but ultimately, it is me who learns from these young talents. Their passion and mastery amaze me every day.
This artistic residency goes beyond simple musical boundaries. Émilie Dallet, coming from Reunion Island, hopes to leave enriched by West Indian and Guyanese cultures.
This meeting allows for an authentic sharing of our identities, a crossing of our universes which creates an unexpected fusion.
A few days before the final concert, Aymerick Letard, conductor of the project, underlines the challenge represented by this musical cohabitation.
Bringing together such diverse traditions is not easy, but the quality and listening skills of the musicians make this fusion possible. The Mana audience will be entitled to a restitution full of surprises.
On November 9, this residency will close with a vibrant performance, where each artist will bring their identity and cultural heritage, creating a common work rich in meaning and diversity.