Bonsound - Press Releases

In 2017, Pierre Kwenders won over the public with the release of his critically-acclaimed sophomore album MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time. Pierre Kwenders’ second album, produced by Shabazz Palaces’ Tendai Maraire, is a wildly inventive, globe-spanning triumph. (Pitchfork) The Afro-Canadian singer-songwriter now kicks off the year in full force. Premiering today via AFROPUNK, he shares the music video for his album’s title track, Makanda, featuring Palaceer Lazaro (Shabazz Palaces) and SassyBlack.

Watch and share the music video for Makanda via YouTube.
MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time is available in stores and on all digital platforms.

Directed by Patrice Laliberté (finalist for the 2016 Canadian Screen Awards’ Best Live Action Short Drama), the video has a black-and-white film aesthetic. It features Palaceer Lazaro and Luciana Marcos, a MMA fighter. I was raised by my mother with the help of my aunts and grandmother, Pierre Kwenders explains. My life, without that strong feminine energy, would have very little meaning. This film is simply the story of a young woman working hard, training harder and fighting. I wanted to make a video about the strength of a woman. That is what Makanda is.

Last autumn, Pierre Kwenders headed off to Europe to perform his new songs across France and England. He ended 2017 in front of 100 000 people at Montreal’s Old-Port during the big New Year’s Eve celebration. The artist will be performing alongside Busty and The Bass on January 26th at the Corona Theatre. Tickets are on sale online. He will open for the band during their tour across Western Canada in March, right after playing the Apollo Theatre in New York alongside Tony Allen, Black Coffee and Jeff Mills. He has also been added to this year’s SXSW lineup in Austin, Texas, which runs from March 9th to 18th. For all his tour dates, visit pierrekwenders.com.

Upcoming shows
01/26/18 Montreal, QC // Théâtre Corona (Opening for Busty and the Bass)
02/06/18 New Orleans, LA // Krewe du Kanaval Mardi Gras Parade)
03/03/18 New York, NY // Apollo Theater (Africa Now!)
03/06/18 Victoria, BC // Capital Ballroom (Opening for Busty and the Bass)
03/07/18 Vancouver, BC // Imperial (Opening for Busty and the Bass)
03/09/18 Calgary, AB // The Gateway Bar (Opening for Busty and the Bass)
03/10/18 Edmonton, AB // The Rec Room (Opening for Busty and the Bass)