Eastern Pop Evening

From festive dabke to Middle Eastern dance, including the hypnotic rhythms of mahraganat and Afro-Arab fusions, the MENA scene celebrates identity, community, and movement.

Dancing, from 6 p.m.: Association Tafsut

The Association Tafsut was founded in 2000 by Tassadit Ould-Hamouda to preserve and promote Kabyle culture in Canada. Officially registered in 2001, it is thanks to the collaboration of women, men, and young girls from our Kabyle and Québécois communities that Tafsut has become what it is today.

Music, from 7 p.m.: Parazar 

A Montreal rapper of Algerian origin, Parazar made her notable entry onto the music scene in 2021 after a detour into the world of comedy. Inspired by French rap and raï, she fuses hip-hop, house, and North African sounds, supported by beatmaker Fifo. This versatile artist is distinguished by her writing, as well as her presence on stage and online. She was a Francouvertes finalist, a 2023 Radio-Canada Révélation, and an opening act for Cypress Hill at the FEQ, in addition to having a string of ongoing projects with the Bravo Musique label. Her second EP, Elle était une fois, is a blend of introspection, trap rhythms, and dedicated collaborations... sometimes surrounded by aliens. 

On the decks, from 8:30 p.m.: Manalou 

Manalou is a DJ of Algerian origin who loves sharing her passion for music through her performances. One of her main goals is to spread North African and Algerian sounds around the world through her unique style. She describes her sets as a journey that takes you from one country or sound to another. Blending these genres is what she loves most! Manalou always brings high energy to her shows, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captivates her audience and keeps them dancing all night long.