Youth still shines in Mouffe’s eye. The venerable lady of Quebec song today announces the creation of a prize in her name, the Mouffe prize, to boost the careers of young musicians who sing in French.
It is under the art deco vaults of the Outremont theater that Mouffe explains to us why she agreed to give her name to such a prize. We are here at home, in a way. She has frequented this room since her early teens. Claudine Monfette, known as Mouffe, was more behind the stage than above, and rather discreet compared to the artists she accompanied: Charlebois, Vigneault, Diane Dufresne, Renée Martel, Louise Forestier and many others.
The humble Mouffe does not take credit for the Mouffe award. The money for this prize — $10,000 — comes from Outremont Theater and sponsors. The motivation comes from his mentor, Gilles Vigneault.
“He has already told me: ‘You are very lucky to have worked with quite a lot of people, and great ones, like Félix [Leclerc]”. It’s true, I did I saw the wolf, the fox, the lion at 28 years old. He said to me: “You have been privileged. The greats have shared their art with you. You have learned many things. You can’t go to hell or to heaven with all that baggage. It is worth giving back, sharing. You have a duty of transmission.” »
Become a mentor
You have to prove him right. Of the’Ostidcho at the ADISQ galas, through charity shows and festivals, few can boast like her of having made such an impact on the Quebec music scene.
The highlight of this Mouffe award, Mouffe herself will act as a mentor to the winner. “It’s an opportunity to give what I received, and even more, to give what I did not receive, that is to say support in the beginnings of the profession”, breathes- she.
Too many young artists miss out on the “unsaid” and “unwritten rules” of performing arts, she notes. Introducing well, closing well, linking the songs well together is too often lacking. And beware of those who have not found their guideline! Moreover, Mouffe rejects the appellation of “director”. This term is reserved for the theater, says the former actress. In music, we speak of “artistic direction”.
The entire Outremont theater team will also lend a hand to push the artist chosen by the jury forward. Publicity tips, timing, preparation and rehearsals will be offered to the lucky winner. The latter will also be able to perform on the stage of the Outremont theater in the spring of 2023.
The honor of the Mouffe prize contains a condition sine qua non. The writing of the songs must imperatively be in French. “We did not resist all these years, and our ancestors either, to abdicate now,” she slices. It’s not as if the Francophonie doesn’t have enough music lovers, she points out.
Whoever or group will be selected by the seven judges will also benefit from the benevolence of a Mouffe who still writes — “for myself” — a few songs. She has also been guiding the pen of emerging artists for years during the writing workshops of her friend Gilles Vigneault.
Despite countless shows behind the shawl, Mouffe merges in humility. “I still have room to learn,” she says of her seventy-year-old life. ” I’ve been operated. They took away my ego,” she jokes.
And Mouffe is also full of praise for the new generation of musicians, even those who rap, a style unknown in its early days. Maybe she’ll write some rap one day. “As long as it’s in French, I’m in! »
The call for nominations for the Mouffe Prize will begin on September 13. The name of the selected artist will be announced at the end of the following January.