Zine, through his association Fin’amor e gai saber, offers singing workshops and courses to revitalize the culture and language of Nice.
In Nice, the preservation and transmission of local cultural heritage resonate passionately in the initiatives of artist Zine. Supported by his association Fin’amor e gai saber, he carries out various actions to keep the Niçoise language and traditions alive, moving away from a fixed vision of folklore. Singing workshops, language courses, activist actions, and musical events make up a rich program for all those who wish to reclaim this living culture.
Polyphonic singing as a collective experience
The next significant event is a polyphonic singing workshop scheduled for June 13. Designed as “a suspended moment, to reconnect with the body, breath, and voice,” this afternoon is open to everyone, regardless of their level. From 2 pm to 5 pm, participants are invited to a vocal warm-up followed by the transmission of songs and an immersion in collective practice.
The goal is simple: the raw pleasure of singing together.
“We sing in polyphony, without pressure. We also laugh a lot. And sometimes, it touches deeper than expected,” explains Zine, emphasizing the friendly welcome starting at 1:30 pm for a time of exchange over a tea or coffee.
Due to the success of previous editions, spots for this workshop, offered at a preferential rate of 20 euros, are very limited. Registrations are mandatory via email at finamoregaisaber@gmail.com.
The Niçoise language, a living language to be transmitted
In addition to singing, Zine places the language at the heart of his approach. With his training “Niçois in dialogue,” he invites non-speakers to learn and become “culture bearers” in turn. For him, learning Niçois is much more than a linguistic process.
“The sounds of Niçois sing. They tell of the sea, the mountains, the markets, the festivals… It’s a language full of colors, images, and musicality,” he emphasizes.
This initiative aims to create a bond between generations and sow seeds of pride among the younger ones.
“In a time where forgetfulness seems to be taking up more and more space, we choose to focus on what unites and what makes us grow,” affirms Zine.
All the information to start learning is available on his website (https://9ucsd.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeGLdaZEPNigfXxL6TZMz/1WUXHJR3ye8A).
Cultural and activist initiatives
Zine’s commitment is also evident in other unique events. Soon, he will offer a mass where Niçois songs will resonate, in collaboration with Father Gil Florini. The musical program will include original compositions, adaptations of classics like Gounod’s “Ave Maria” or “Greensleeves,” and a new piece based on a text by Dédé Truqui in 2026.
In parallel, a petition titled “We are not santons” has been launched to defend a dynamic and contemporary vision of the Niçois identity. Having already gathered over 300 signatures in a few weeks, the action will continue until autumn, showing a collective desire to not reduce local culture to a mere postcard image.
The petition is accessible online (https://9ucsd.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG13E8lXqEEDGTQsYfcD/DEdZV19HNZ6M).
