2015 begins on a great note for Pierre Kwenders, named Révélation Radio-Canada 2014-2015. After receiving significant praise from both francophone and anglophone media for his debut album, Le Dernier Empereur Bantou, released in October 2014, the Montrealer of Congolese origin has recently been nominated for World Music Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards. To mark this accomplishment, Pierre is happy to share a remix of his song Sorry by Poirier via OkayAfrica.
Le Dernier Empereur Bantou is an ultimate cry of joy, using Cajun rhythms, mythical characters, and childhood musings and reminiscence. Pierre Kwenders also includes a few nods to his own musical background; African singers such as Johnny Clegg as well as music from the 80’s. With his progressive music coloured with Congolese rumba and Afro-electro beats, the singer explores an innovative path, adding a new flavour to his repertoire.
Spokesman of modern Africa, Pierre will soon set out to win over new audiences, starting with a show in Toronto this Friday, February 6th as part of the event KUUMBA. He’ll also be performing outdoors at Montréal en Lumière on February 25th.
Upcoming shows
02/06 Toronto, ON // Harbourfront Centre - Salle Brigantine (KUUMBA)
02/12 Ottawa, ON // Quatrième salle du CNA
02/20 Winnipeg, MB // Tente Rivière Rouge MTS (Festival du Voyageur)
02/21 Winnipeg, MB // Tente La Prairie Université de Saint-Boniface (Festival du Voyageur)
02/25 Montreal, QC // RBC Stage - Outdoor concert (Montréal en Lumière)
03/05 Quebec City, QC // Le Cercle (opening for Radio Radio)
03/06 Saint-André, QC // La Tête d'Allumette
04/10 Montreal, QC // Maison de la culture Ahuntsic-Cartierville
04/18 Sherbrooke, QC // Boquébière
07/18 Hamilton, ON // Hamilton World Music Festival
Pierre Kwenders released a whimsical album that he's paired with a live show that's magnificent and visually stunning.
Slava Pastuk, Noisey
À l'évidence, tous les ingrédients du buzz sont là. 4/5
Alain Brunet, La Presse
Kwenders est là pour rester et son passage remarqué aux Trans Musicales de Rennes en témoigne. Il signe un autre disque marquant réalisé à Montréal.
Yves Bernard, Le Devoir
Montreal-based musician steeps the electronic vibes of his current Canadian surroundings in Congolese rumba rhythms to achieve a vivacious musical style. 8/10
Ryan B. Patrick, Exclaim!