Accompanied to Djilacoune, 44 choristers from the Fous chantants experienced the first edition of Africa Chœur. A rare musical and fraternal experience.
Just a few hours before returning to France, in the account of the 10 days spent in Djilacoune in Casamance (Senegal), the emotion chokes the voice of the choir member Isabelle Jourdan. Like 43 other choristers involved in this project conceived by Fabrice Schwingrouber, son of Michel, co-creator of Fous chantants d’Alès, this community in southern Senegal welcomed them with open arms to share their common passion for singing. And, within the notes, to demonstrate solidarity and brotherhood. “These people were waiting for us and, as soon as we arrived by bus, it was an explosion. We were welcomed by children, women, musicians, all in incredible fervor. A protocol ceremony followed, and we all felt truly respected. It was a week where we were in the real, authentic moments.”
As tears rise and the hour of departure, after one last excursion on Lake Retba, draws near, the forty choristers arriving from Alès, Lyon, Paris, Annecy, from Belgium or Switzerland have shared an exceptional artistic week. With singing sessions every morning, followed by performances at the end of the day, the repertoires worked on with musicians and artists created a structure that a concert, last Wednesday, consisting of 250 choristers, came to conclude. “Thanks to David Vincent, a great conductor,” praises Isabelle Jourdan who discovered Fous chantants in 2019, “we were able to sing a text called Kassafor (fraternity), written in the Diola language by children. We also sang the village anthem, and finally, we were accompanied by two magnificent soloists. Abreux, the child from the village with whom we sang “Alter ego” by Jean-Louis Aubert. Then with Leba, the godfather of this first edition, a star in Casamance.”
A singing week that allowed the doors to open wide to meet others and their culture. “We did gardening, cooking, helped renovate the school, went for walks. We shared and learned about each other. We did things together, and that allowed us to meet each other. All of it had meaning. And if the musicians found each other despite the different songs and rhythms, it was through sharing that everything was built. We found brothers and sisters,” concludes Isabelle Jourdan.
A journey whose memories will forever remain in the hearts of these choristers.
An adventure to relive next year!
Amphitheater: A result of the collaboration between Les Fous Chantants and the association Solidarité Sénégal, engaged for many years in Casamance, this first edition was co-constructed with the local association “Cases à nous” in Djilacoune for all the residents of the villages in the Coubalan municipality. Bringing together singing enthusiasts to build a true cultural connection, the project also includes the construction of a cultural space in the form of an outdoor amphitheater.
Registration: To participate in the 2nd Solidarity Singing Week, email: africachoeur@gmail.com
Les Fous chantants: Artist Soprano, invited to the 27th edition, on July 31st and August 1st, will perform his hit songs as well as those from the late Charles Aznavour’s repertoire.
