JACKY ESSOMBÉ
Originally from Cameroon, Jacky Essombé grew up in Yaoundé and Paris before settling in Vancouver. She has toured Canada, the United States, and Europe with renowned artists, and has appeared several times on television and radio in Canada, Europe, and Africa. A true ambassador of African culture, her real passion is creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for all, where everyone feels at home, around a cozy fire. When she performs, she likes to make the audience’s experience livelier and more authentic by joyfully inviting each participant to take an active part in the event. Jacky thus transports us to the depths of a truly humanitarian culture, to bring us the musical, storytelling, and dance traditions so specific to this rich ancestral culture. Each of her appearances guarantees us a moment of uncontrollable joy, for the pleasure of all.
YORO NOUKOUSSI
Yoro Noukoussi, a multi-instrumentalist, Singer Songwriter and Sound Engineer was born in Northern Benin, West Africa to the Chief of the Waama People. He learned the art of storytelling and drumming from his family, while traveling the region performing and sharing cultural traditions and ceremonies. Having mastered the rhythms of the talking drum (donga), congas (kokomba) and djembe, he is a dynamic and mesmerizing performer, drawing you in to the sights, sounds, and rhythms of West Africa.
Kocassale Dioubaté
Kocassalé Dioubaté, from the Mandingo tribe of Guinea, West Africa, is a descendant of his tribe’s djeliba’ (also known as griots): traditional storytellers, entertainers, musicians, praise singers, counselors, and mediators. They are those who keep and preserve the tribe’s oral history and tradition. Koca was born into this inherited lineage of music & arts, and has been playing percussion since his early childhood, and performing internationally. Koca learned to play the traditional drums of his people under the guidance of his father and grandfather – both esteemed musicians and percussionists. He also trained with several “ballets” (traditional performance troupes) throughout West Africa – in Guinea, Gambia, and Senegal.
❤️ WAAHLI, JACKY ESSOMBÉ, YORO & KOCASSALE
📅 SATURDAY, JUNE 21
⏲️ 1 PM
📍 CIVIC PLAZA - NORTH VANCOUVER (126, 14th St W, North Vancouver)
North Shore Jazz Series returns in 2025 for a new edition!
The Centre is proud to present Waahli, Jackie Essombé, Yoro, and Kocassale
GRATUIT
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WAAHLI
Waahli is a Montreal-based artist of Haitian descent whose musical inspiration stems from a childhood steeped in traditional melodies. However, it is through hip-hop culture that he finds his voice and develops a unique and captivating style.
In May 2023, Waahli was named one of the six Radio-Canada 2023–2024 Révélations. In 2024, he continues to gain recognition from his peers, earning a nomination at the ADISQ Gala for Best Multilingual and Other Languages Album of the Year, as well as a JUNO Award nomination for World Music Album of the Year. He was also named a finalist for the Songwriting Discovery Prize presented by Amazon Music and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
With ancestral rhythms, breathtaking performances, and incisive lyrics, Waahli offers an alternative hip-hop sound that takes listeners on a global journey. On stage, he captivates audiences through his generous interaction and contagious energy, shining a light on cultural diversity.
In 2025, Waahli pushes artistic boundaries once again with Seven Bubbles, a bold opus that explores new aesthetic and sonic horizons.
Thanks to our partners ❤️
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