Gilberto Gil, Agnes Nunes, and Blick Bassy bring Brazilian afro-soul and art to Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet for the Back2Black Festival.
The Back2Black Festival, founded in Brazil in 2009, arrives in Paris for the first time on April 3. The event takes over the renowned Théâtre du Châtelet with performances by Gilberto Gil, Agnes Nunes, Blick Bassy, and DJ Sandra Baldé (Umafricana), alongside a conference, exhibition, and a special film screening.
Gilberto Gil and his farewell to major stages
After wrapping up his “Tempo Rei” farewell tour in Brazil, Gilberto Gil returns to the stage in Paris, performing classics from his 60-year career. Joined by his children and grandchildren, the concert celebrates the living legacy of Afro-Brazilian music.
Afro-soul dialogue between Brazil and Africa
Another highlight is the joint show by Agnes Nunes and Cameroonian artist Blick Bassy, two leading names in contemporary afro-soul. “It will be beautiful to share the stage with Blick Bassy in an event that celebrates African and Brazilian culture,” says Agnes.
Umafricana and the sounds of Africa
Guinean DJ Sandra Baldé (Umafricana) will set the mood with vibrant beats of funk, afrobeats, and amapiano. Her sets blend African rhythms with contemporary pop and R&B influences.
Art, film, and cultural diplomacy
The festival will also present the “Africa-Brazil” conference, an exhibition of works by Carybé, and the French premiere of “3 Obás de Xangô” by Sérgio Machado — a documentary on the friendship between Jorge Amado, Dorival Caymmi, and Carybé. Creator Connie Lopes calls the event “an act of cultural diplomacy that reaffirms African heritage as the beating heart of Brazil’s identity.”
Sponsored by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and Petrobras, with support from Embratur and production by Natasha Artes and the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Service
BACK2BLACK PARIS – An Afro-Brazilian Manifestation
Date: April 3 (Friday)
Venue: Théâtre du Châtelet (Place du Châtelet, 1, Paris)
Time: 8 PM
Tickets: from €8 to €84
Info: https://www.chatelet.com/programmation/25-26/back2black-festival/
Photo: Courtesy
