Haitian singer wins French-speaking artist award Nuits d’Afrique 2024

Haitian singer Rutshelle Guillaume received the Nuits d’Afrique Prize for Francophonie in Montreal on Monday.

According to a press release, the prize is awarded to “an artist with international influence who embodies a unifying vision of Francophonie and the diversity of cultural expressions in the international Francophone space.”

On Sunday she gave her final concert at the festival, where several hundred people gathered for the show.

On Monday, Guillaume officially received the award at Montreal City Hall.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Prix de l’artiste de la francophonie 2024. Thank you to the City of Montreal and the committee of the Festival international nuit d’Afrique,” Guillaume said in French.

The Haitian singer was named Queen of Kompa – a modern dance music genre in Haiti

The 38th edition of the International Festival Nuits d’Afrique featured African, Caribbean and Latin American music.

Paid shows took place at various venues in Montreal, including Club Balattou, Le Fairmount and Le Ministère.

From 16 to 21 July, free open-air shows took place in the Quartier des Spectacles.

Over 700 artists from over 30 countries performed at the International Nuits d’Afrique Festival. Previous winners include Manu Dibango, Salif Keita and Angélique Kidjo.