Montreal, May 2, 2024 - From April 20 to 27, Semaine Dynastie, presented by TD in collaboration with SODEC, took place in an effervescent Black Joy atmosphere. The Fondation Dynastie and its valued partners presented eight captivating events at Place des Arts (PDA), where over 5,000 people gathered to experience them to the full.
Relive this emotionally-charged week with us!
April 20, 2024: A Brunch like no other!
Nearly 350 people turned out to celebrate the kick-off of Semaine Dynastie in a warm, local-market-style setting featuring more than 12 caterers from the African, Caribbean and Antillean communities. The event, hosted by Nicole Antoine at the PDA's Salon urbain, vibrated to the lively music of Dj Star Q. The explosive energy of MC Followdariddim got everyone on the dance floor! The event was presented by Groupe 3737, who took the opportunity to raise awareness about the sustainability of federal government investments in Black communities.
April 21, 2024: Soirée Médias of the Gala Dynastie
A sense of pride was palpable from the Black Carpet to the walls of the Cinquième Salle for the Gala Dynastie’s Soirée Médias. Recognizing the work of Afro-descendants in the media, the event awarded 14 trophies to media professionals. The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Me Tamara Thermitus Ad.E also received a tribute award for their lifetime achievements. The evening, hosted by Naadei, was punctuated by two touching performances by Täbï Yösha and Catherine Souffront.
April 22, 2024: Convo Dynastie Culture
Presented in collaboration with CALQ, Building Tomorrow's Dynasties was the theme of this discussion moderated by Sabine Daniel. Guided by several pertinent questions, this discussion focused on the importance of creating, preserving and shaping organizations that serve the interests of Quebec's Black communities. Dian Marie Bridge (Black Theater Workshop), Allen Alexandre (Centre Culturel Afro-Canadien de Montréal), Moridja Kitenge-Banza (visual artist and Chairman of the Board of Culture Montréal) and Harry Julmice (co-founder of Never Was Average) exchanged and shared their points of view on this promising theme.
April 23, 2024: Convo Médias Dynastie
In collaboration with the Canada Media Fund (CMF),Barbara Laurenstin led a fascinating panel on the power of unique Black community narratives on screen. Ella Cooper (producer and president of Black Women Films), Eva Kabuya (director), Henri Pardo (director) and Nadia Louis-Desmarchais (director) highlighted the work behind their artistic approach, their challenges in the Quebec film milieu and their solutions for amplifying their voices.
April 24, 2024: Dynastie Unplugged
In partnership with Advance Music, the Fondation Dynastie presented the first edition of its Dynastie Unplugged sessions. In a minimalist, acoustic setting before an attentive audience, comedians, artists and podcasters took to the stage at the PDA Urban Lounge. Featuring some of the Gala Dynastie finalists, host Marieme showcased the work of Naïma Frank, Mopao Mumu, Dix-Iple Deca and CSHMR. Jokes by Steve Biko and Peter Bowen kept the audience laughing, while podcasters Webster (Résistance), Hollywood (Les Chroniques des Alcooliques) and John R. Cadet (Bandwagon Show) discussed topics ranging from the importance of podcasts in our society to the paths they are striving to blaze for future generations.
April 25, 2024: Industry Day
A unique event, presented by Telefilm Canada, combining networking, creativity and learning in a single afternoon... a successful challenge! Several music and film organizations were on hand to answer guests' questions, including: SOCAN, Musicaction, ADISQ, SODEC, Mondel, Atelier du cinéma, APEM, Bravo Musique, Telefilm Canada and the Conseil des Arts de Montréal. Tracy Paulotte interviewed Carmine Pierre-Dufour about her career as a director, and Richard Jean-Baptiste about his prolific career as a producer. Bellande Montour moderated a panel on the status of Soul, R&B and Gospel in Quebec, with Widney Bonfils, Marieme and Koudjo Oni. Archétype Studio was also on hand to take professional photos of the participants, all in a musical atmosphere led by Dj IAMNOTMYHISTORY.
April 27, 2024: Gala Dynastie Soirée Culture = Black Glamour
BLACK CARPET
The traditional Black Carpet presented by Bell was back, much to the delight of Internet users, who were able to experience the frenzy of the black carpet from the front row of the action. Hosted by the indefatigable Gaël Comtois, the pre-gala event set the tone for the evening.
Watch the Black Carpet hosted by Gael Comtois
SOIRÉE CULTURE
The Gala Dynastie’s Soirée Culture took place in front of a packed house at Théâtre Maisonneuve. Hosted for the first time by Garihanna Jean-Louis, the comedian rose to the challenge with brio. Navigating between humor and social reflection, she set the tone for the evening. 14 trophies were awarded to exceptional artists. Corneille, Dr Oliver Jones and Mikaben also received tribute awards for their prolific careers.
APRÈS-GALA
The party continued at the Théâtre Wilfrid Pelletier's Piano Nobile in a supercharged atmosphere! Dj Ash Banks and Dj Kwite Sane set the place alight with their lively sets! Guests were treated to a variety of delicacies from Montreal caterers, and were able to feast with all the guests of this great celebration.
This wonderful week would not have been possible without our valued partners, to whom Fondation Dynastie extends its warmest thanks:
TD Bank Group, SODEC, Natyf TV, Bell, CN, Ubisoft, Groupe 3737, Ville de Montréal, Heritage Canada, Canada Media Fund, Conseil des arts de Montréal, Telefilm Canada, Expert'Ease, Léonard Médias, Place des Arts, Musicaction, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Black History Month Round Table, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Distillerie Rosemont and L'Oréal.