Djely Tapa
Québécois artist of Malian origin, Djely Tapa is a modern griot whose powerful voice and rooted rhythms electrify every stage she steps on. Known for her mesmerizing blend of West African traditions, electro sounds, and contemporary groove, she embodies a bold, diasporic, and deeply current francophonie.
French Fest is proud to welcome this remarkable artist for a free outdoor performance on Elgin Street, co-presented with the Northern Lights Festival Boréal. Opening the show: a divers selection of local artistes inviting us to celebrate — no seats, no barriers: just music, dance, and an open space to celebrate together.
Already known in Sudbury for her acclaimed appearances with Afrikana Soul Sister and at the 2024 Cabaret Africain, Djely Tapa returns to make the heart of the city pulse in an event that reflects the vitality of francophone communities from immigrant backgrounds. Her performance is an invitation to move, connect, and make space for a francophonie in motion. Paid VIP perks will be available for those who wish to experience the event differently.
Mourir de trop gueuler
With their new show Mourir de trop gueuler, the Créations In Vivo company, based in Ottawa, presents a hard-hitting piece in which the art of clowning becomes a powerful vehicle for reflection on identity, anger, memory, and the future of Ontario’s francophonie. This show, a mix of physical and buffoon theatre, co-presented with Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario (TNO), lies at the heart of the major themes of this 10th edition of French Fest: franco-Sudbury culture and the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, born right here at the Université de Sudbury.
In a city where clown theatre is part of the cultural DNA — carried notably by the legendary Clown Farm of Manitoulin — this performance resonates both as a return to roots and a call to resistance. Because how can we celebrate this flag, this culture, when the institutions that carried it are weakened, when the arts are under threat, when francophone education is being attacked? With provocative clarity and raw poetry, Mourir de trop gueuler raises the big questions: Who are we now? Who carries this culture? Who does it belong to? And above all: how do we keep it alive?
The show will be presented in the evening, in an atmosphere that invites both deep thought and vibrant energy. In parallel, during the family day, the troupe’s artists will lead buffoon workshops, introducing young and old to this unique, funny, and subversive theatrical art.
Cérémonie de reconnaissance
A moment to honor the voices and new roots of our francophonie.
The Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone du Nord de l’Ontario (RIF) plays a key role in developing an inclusive, open, and representative francophonie that reflects today’s realities. Through its work, the RIF supports the welcoming, integration, and recognition of francophone immigrants who enrich our communities with their journeys, talents, and cultures.
As part of French Fest, the RIF will host a Recognition Ceremony in la Grande salle — a solemn and festive moment dedicated to honoring community members from immigrant backgrounds by highlighting their human, cultural, social, and economic contributions to our northern francophone society.
To carry this symbolic gesture even further, Djely Tapa will take part in the ceremony as a Malian griot — a guardian of memories, stories, and traditions. Her presence underscores the importance of passing down, telling, and celebrating the individual stories that weave together the collective fabric of our shared culture.
Journée Familiale
Play, creation, and discovery for the whole family
French Fest opens its arms to little ones, teens, parents, and grandparents with a Family Day animated by La Slague Jeunesses and the energetic team from the Carrefour francophone childcare services. This festive day will highlight play, creativity, and intercultural connection through an artistic program designed to bring together all generations.
At the heart of the day: clowns surprises with the Créations In Vivo troupe — a unique opportunity for families to dive into the theatrical world of clowning, to explore laughter, movement, and freedom of expression, echoing the evening performance of Mourir de trop gueuler.
This event aims to support the transmission of the French language in a playful context, to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community, and to introduce families to the richness of the local artistic scene. It is also a living showcase of the reach of the Carrefour francophone, which for generations has nurtured francophone culture in Northern Ontario.
A day to meet, play, create… and above all, to share the joy of living in French!
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La Slague's Evolution
La Slague was established in 1964 by the Centre des jeunes de Sudbury. After many years of success, La Slague went dormant, and then reappeared for a time in the mid-1980s as a community-based volunteer organization. With La Slague’s renaissance in 2006 as part of the Carrefour francophone, a third generation of concert promotion activities was afoot.