[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ince it began in France some 37 years ago, Fête de la Musique has toppled over the borders of Paris and into not only Francophone countries, but also the rest of the world. Fête de la Musique literally translates to “music festival” and is recognized annually on the summer solstice, June 21, with free music performances. The idea is to create a concert without borders, with both established and amateur musicians participating.
The festival is not widely celebrated in Saint Lucia but on June 21 this year Alliance Française, in its mandate to promote cultural diversity, did its part to carry out Fête de la Musique at its home—The Pyramid in Pointe Seraphine. The highlight of the event was a competition during which three talented Saint Lucians sang their hearts out for an appreciative audience, and for the prizes awarded by Alliance Française and the Embassy of the Republic of France in Saint Lucia.
Zandilli Lucien, Kristian Lawrence and Kurt Felix were the shining trio. Each performed three songs; the first two were to compete for the people’s choice 2018 Fête de la Musique award and the third song— which the contestants sang in French—determined who would win the title for best song in that language.
The competition was light-hearted and friendly. While the contestants worked hard for their rewards, there was always the feeling that everyone came out primarily for a night of fun. Kristian, a Saint Mary’s College student, was definitely the crowd favourite. He won himself a round-trip to Martinique and one semester’s worth of education from Alliance Française with the 2018 Fête de la Musique award.
After some see-saw action between His Excellency Phillipe Ardanaz and Stephane Dovert of the French embassy, Kurt Felix was finally awarded the “best performance in French”. Felix also received a trip for two to Martinique and a scholarship to Alliance Française, as did Lucien. The “everybody’s a winner” spirit at Fête de la Musique was possibly due to Lucien’s heartwarming final performance throughout which she carried her baby son.
The evening also featured seasoned artistes such as Linda “Chocolate” Berthier who performed a tribute to the late Francis “Leebo” Delima, an icon in the local music industry. Delima’s daughter was also in attendance but as a member of Bamboo Productions, the youth-oriented theatre group known for its recently produced play, A Little Folktale. Some of the funds raised from Fête de la Musique’s food sales will be contributed to Bamboo Productions.
