2021 anthology

Keziah Jones in the eye of the media during the 40th “Jazz à Vienne” © Joe Farmer / RFI

By: Joe Farmer Follow

3 min

The year 2021 has once again been tarnished by the pandemic.

Faced with this burdensome world situation, the world of culture has valiantly resisted.

The organizers of shows, the artists, the promoters, the media, tried to take up this challenge of preserving the flame.

Thus, throughout the last twelve months, in spite of the doubts, the hesitations, sometimes the renouncements, the meetings with the spectators took place.

The festivals were held and the applause returned.

The team of " 

" echoed this resilient enthusiasm by multiplying radio conversations with some big names in Afro-planetary music.

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On June 25, 2021, it is the Nigerian guitarist and singer, Keziah Jones, who illuminated the ancient theater of the fortieth “

 ”

festival 

. The African evening also welcomed

and

front of 7000 spectators conquered and happy to be able, once again, to vibrate on the notes of valiant musicians whose artistic commitment in times of health crisis comforted and soothed the spirits. A week later, Messrs

and

were unanimous in the same place.

Here again, the generosity of the instrumentalists strongly accompanied the fervor of the public and the sustained acclamations were the reward that the virtuosos hoped for on stage.

These moments of sincere emotion had the virtue of restoring energy to all the protagonists concerned. 

Richard Bona and Alfredo Rodriguez, virtuosos accomplices, on July 02, 2021 in Vienne (France).

© Joe Farmer / RFI

Each cultural or musical event during the year 2021 was a real achievement for their instigators. The virus made the success of their projects so uncertain. The “

 ”

festival 

, for example, had to adapt its schedule to restrictions and cancellations. The programming teams made the decision to postpone the fortieth edition to August because they could not meet the spring deadlines. Thus on August 26, the famous singer

charmed Norman fans of original Congolese rumba by delivering a very convincing performance at the municipal theater in Coutances. For a week, from Mali to the United States, from Congo to Cuba, the cherished tones of "

Resounded, a thousand sound colors sparkled and the bet was successful.

Sam Mangwana backstage at the “Jazz under the Apple Trees” festival, August 26, 2021 © Joe Farmer / RFI

In Marseille, too, the stakes were high. It was unthinkable that the twentieth “ 

” would be postponed again. In 2020, the festivities were greatly shaken up by the Covid-19. 2021 absolutely had to be a year of joy and enthusiasm. Despite the obstacles, the city of Marseille welcomed major personalities from the world sound system in July. The Cuban pianist

, his American counterpart

, or the Franco-American-Caribbean singer

came, at a moment's notice, to replace with grace the Anglo-Nigerian troupe Kokoroko. The delicate tone of his voice harmoniously magnified by the pianistic ornamentations of

was suspended for a moment, out of time, which made us momentarily forget the pangs of an international viral threat.

2021 will be remembered as a pivotal year, halfway between fear and hope.

We can bet that 2022 will be a vigorous and exciting year.

The team of " 

" will echo it with dynamism and enthusiasm.

Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant and her pianist Sullivan Fortner in Marseille in July 2021 © Clara La Fuente / MJ5C 2021

All our wishes for health, happiness, serenity, embellished with some shimmering melodies!

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