On Friday June 21st at Hotel Le Marois in Paris, FR, Grace Wales Bonner presented the first iteration of Togetherness on the occasion of Fête de la Musique, the yearly summer-solstice celebration where the city is transformed by sound.
Music for movement. Sound for celebration.
Togetherness is a distinct creative entity, expanding Grace Wales Bonner’s ongoing engagement with the sensory world of music and live performance. The inaugural event brought together acclaimed Parisian rapper La Fève,; Etran De L’Aïr, contemporary troubadours of desert blues from Niger; London multi- instrumentalist Mansur Brown connecting club to jazz and R&B; Senegalese percussionist Ibou Calebasse; a DJ set by Sarz, the Nigerian producer behind era-defining afrobeat hits; and Chris Kirkley from Sahel Sounds, playing sounds from across western Africa. Wales Bonner also created a film with Android to mark the celebration.
“We have admired Grace Wales Bonner’s approach to artistry and inclusion for a while and are delighted to be embarking on this collaboration together. The Togetherness tenets of belonging and inclusion are synonymous with the principles that Android was founded on. We are excited to apply our technology to work with Grace to expand worlds and democratise the arts. Together we believe we can promote access to discovery and unlock creativity.” – Jackie Titus, Global Director, Brand Activation & Engagement, Google
Wales Bonner was delighted to welcome guests including Theaster Gates, Karen Binns, Mati Diop, Mustafa the Poet, Jeremy Grant, Will Welch, Eric McNeal, Smino, Carlisle Aikens, Yasiin Bey, and Ib Kamara.
Photography Jebi Labembika Film Bafic
Creative Direction Jonny Lu Composer James Williams Blades
Assets and film credits available to download here
Quotes from Artists
“It was a privilege to witness these artists shining together, and I am grateful for all of the energy they brought to the event. Togetherness, to me, is about providing unique musical experiences so I am proud we were able to start with this special night in Paris.”
– Grace Wales Bonner
“So many things come to mind, but I’d probably say the fact that this was my first PFW was a great experience. Definitely one I’ll remember. Loved the energy, I’m just happy to share my music with some new people.”
– Mansur Brown
“The concert was really different from a lot of the concerts we played, definitely we’ve never played in a place like this before .The audience seemed surprised and interested to hear our music, and it got them moving. There were a lot of artists there from all over the world, from all different kinds of music. Hotel Le Marois is an amazing place and full of beautiful things. We were really impressed.”
– Etran de L’air
“As my first solo performance, it was exceptional. The organisers, technicians, and guests were superbly helpful and kind. Very beautiful musical and community energy in a setting as sublime as Hotel Le Marois”
– Ibou Calebasse (translated)
“Première performance en concert solo. C’était exceptionnel. Superbe disponibilité et bienveillance des organisateurs, techniciens et des invités.Très belle énergie musicale et du public dans un cadre sublime tel que l’hôtel particulier Le Marois”
– Ibou Calebasse (original)
“It was a super intimate night, and the audience’s energy was fantastic. From the moment I started playing, I could sense their enthusiasm and engagement. They were actively interested and receptive to the music, The atmosphere was electric, and their energy made the performance even more enjoyable. I feel the connection. It was one of those nights where everything just clicked perfectly. I definitely enjoyed their vibe, and it elevated the entire experience. Overall, it was a great night.
Hotel Le Marios is different from other venues I’ve DJ’d at. The beautiful Parisian decor has an Old French style to it. The overall decor created a stunning visual experience, it was beautiful to behold. It was an exceptional experience.”
– Sarz
“The energy on the night was one filled with diversity in culture and style. A night that felt like the celebratwion of individuality and free creative expression. Performing at a space as grand as Hotel Le Marois was a regal feeling. Being able to convey free thought and eclectic energy in such a building was an experience to remember and never to be forgotten. Big up Grace & the WB team for hosting such an inspiring event.”
– Kwes Darko
