PIERRE KWENDERS NEW EP, TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR, OUT FEBRUARY 26
LISTEN / SHARE “EVERYDAY" (FT. LADY DONLI, GAFACCI) HERE
BUY / STREAM “EVERYDAY" (FT. LADY DONLI, GAFACCI) HERE
PRE-SAVE TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR HERE
“Kinshasa-born, Canadian-based artist Pierre Kwenders has made a career of fusing Congolese rumba with R&B and a medley of pop and dance styles from both sides of the equator and prime meridian” The Fader
“The singer, whose beats call upon both Congolese sounds and electro-pop” The New Yorker
“It’s a fluid, immersive work, vast but cohesive, elusive of genre, border, or trend. And it makes a case for the potential for anyone — and possibly everyone — to embody a more open, enlightened way to live.” Rolling Stone
"In turbulent times like this, Kwenders reminds us that we mustn't succumb to the darkness. … an important act of joyful resistance” CBC Music on “We Like” (feat Poté)
“An infectious house groove.” — Brooklyn Vegan on “We Like” (feat. Poté)
Photo Credit : Saffron Da’van // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES
Pierre Kwenders, the Congolese-born, Montreal-based musician, songwriter, and DJ unveils "Everyday" (feat. Lady Donli, Gafacci), the second single from his forthcoming EP, Tears On The Dancefloor out February 26th on Moonshine. Tears On The Dancefloor marks Kwenders’ first project since the release of his lauded Polaris Music Prize-winning album, José Louis And The Paradox Of Love, which Rolling Stone claimed “makes a case for the potential for anyone — and possibly everyone — to embody a more open, enlightened way to live.” On the heels of the previously released single “We Like” (feat. Poté), album opener "Everyday" (feat. Lady Donli, Gafacci) is a celebration of unconditional love. In Kwenders’ words, “It embodies the laughter and sleepy yawns of every morning, reflecting a love that is genuine and ready to embrace whatever comes our way.”
The track features Nigerian singer-songwriter Lady Donli and producer, DJ, and songwriter Gafacci. Kwenders adds: “I’d like to give a heartfelt shout-out to Lady Donli for joining me on this; it feels like a wonderful continuation of our first collaboration. Our combined energy has brought this song to life, deepening its essence and making it even more meaningful.”
LISTEN / SHARE “EVERYDAY" (FT. LADY DONLI, GAFACCI) HERE
BUY / STREAM “EVERYDAY" (FT. LADY DONLI, GAFACCI) HERE
Tears On The Dancefloor is Kwenders’ heartfelt ode to the club, a testament to the power of music as both a sanctuary and a space for self-expression. A shift from the big-picture ambition of José Louis And The Paradox Of Love, the new project is an intimate exploration of human connection, exploring intricate themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. The tracks across Tears On The Dancefloor are a reflection of the personal and collective experiences we all share as we navigate love, joy, fear, and growth, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the emotions that arise when we connect with others and with ourselves, creating a space where emotional depth and freedom collide.
LISTEN / SHARE “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ HERE
BUY / STREAM “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ HERE
MORE ABOUT PIERRE KWENDERS
Born José Louis Modabi in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kwenders borrows his stage name from his late grandfather, a widely respected businessman and community figure. Following his mother’s footsteps, Kwenders immigrated from Congo to Montreal in 2001. His debut album, Le Dernier Empereur Bantou, was released in 2014, followed by MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time in 2017. Both albums garnered acclaim and earned Kwenders nominations for the coveted Polaris Music Prize. In 2022, Kwenders returned with José Louis and the Paradox of Love, a culmination of the personal growth and musical dexterity he’d honed over the years, converging his strong songwriting capabilities with the bravado he possesses as a DJ. The album was met with widespread praise from the likes of The New York Times, New Yorker, NPR’s All Things Considered, Rolling Stone, The FADER, MOJO, The Guardian, Bandcamp, and beyond, ultimately taking home the Polaris Music Prize for Canada’s Best Album. In 2023, José Louis and the Paradox of Love was shortlisted for the JUNO Award for Global Music Album of the Year.
“This journey through sound encourages us to embrace our feelings, celebrate our joys, and confront our fears, reminding us that the dance floor is not just a physical space but a sanctuary for our souls. In every beat and melody, we find an opportunity to reflect, heal, and connect on a deeper level.” — Pierre Kwenders
PRE-SAVE TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR HERE
TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR TRACKLIST
01 Everyday ft. Donli, Gafacci
02 Clair de Lune ft. Pierre Lapointe, NegoO
03 It’s Pony! ft. Pony
04 Tears on the Dancefloor ft. Dogzout
05 Merci, Beaucoup!
06 Ambriance (Ndombolo) ft. NegoO
07 We Like ft. Poté
08 Endless Night ft. Mopao Mumu, Vanyfox