Francos 2022 | A living return

No more masks, physical distancing, restricted crowds… the 2022 edition of the Francos de Montréal is reminiscent of those of the pre-pandemic years. The smiles were clearly visible at the Quartier des Spectacles on Friday evening, where thousands of Francophone music lovers enjoyed a lively, lively and unanimously appreciated return to normal.

William Theriault
The Press

We trusted the rapper Koriass, one of the faces of hip-hop in Quebec, to launch the festivities – a challenge for which he said he was grateful from the start. Naturally, the spectators could hear several songs from his new album, Makeshift Shelter (for End of the World). But the artist also pleased his longtime fans with some of his classics, like Montreal North, Blacklights, asphalt child Where The following day.

Young and old were there, in front of a crowded main stage. Koriass, in a way that suited the different interests of the public, extended invitations to a good variety of artists. Thus, hundreds of spectators opened the light of their telephone and quietly swung their arms in front of the sweetness of Safia Nolin. Many had fun with Clay and Friends’ Mike Clay, and many brought out their urban side during the appearance of rapper Imposs. Towards the end of the show, Souldia also took the stage.

Diane Blouin moved to Montreal because she was closer to the festivals. She came for Luc De Larochellière on Friday, but also discovered Miro, who sang on the Bell stage at the start of the evening. “I was really ready to go out! she exclaimed. Her friend, Brigitte De Champlain, was delighted to “see smiles and a relaxed atmosphere” and to attend a celebration of the French language.

To put it with Saiteja Yatam, the Francos offer “the best free festivities” he has ever seen. His friends Shailesh Reddy and Vishwa Teta, visibly happy with their experience, reported to The Press their intention to return for several evenings, for as long as possible. All three English speakers, they were fully aware that the shows were given in French – and seemed enthusiastic about the idea of ​​discovering the language of Molière.

For Édouard Gingras, attending the Francos is an annual tradition. “There is a really nice atmosphere,” he said. Zoé Noël, who insisted on the pleasure of discovering different artists, liked the way Miro interacted with the crowd. “We feel at home, at the Francos! It’s just fun, every time we come, “she said.

On several occasions, Koriass mentioned the name of Karim Ouellet, a greatly appreciated singer from Quebec who died in January. The show Bye Bye Bye Karim: the vigil of friends, given in his memory, will be presented on Sunday. Nearly a dozen artists will come to mark his departure, which will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of Francos 2022.

Earlier in the day, Koriass posted a photo where he could be seen rehearsing with Karim Ouellet, for a show given in 2015. “You had broken your song Thirty for the first time on the stage of the place des Festivals, nervous to make new material, he wrote to his friend. Tonight, on this same stage, I will do my show in your honor. We miss you. »

In addition to Koriass and his guests, the bilingual rapper Aswell and the Haitian singer Magdala participated in the great return of the Francofolies. Later in the evening, Julien Sagot and Connaisseur Ticaso brought up the rear. Lynda Lemay, meanwhile, was performing at Place des Arts for a paid concert.

Two other headliners from the world of rap are on the program for the event: Souldia and the group Loud Lary Ajust. Émile Bilodeau, Hubert Lenoir, Corneille, Juliette Armanet and Louis-Jean Cormier complete the list of headliners for the free main show, on the Bell stage. The Francos, which now benefit from their usual format after a shortened 2021 edition, will be held until June 18.