PIERRE KWENDERS REVEALS “EVERYDAY” FROM UPCOMING EP

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

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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

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PIERRE KWENDERS ANNOUNCES NEW EP, TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR

PIERRE KWENDERS NEW EP, TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR, OUT FEBRUARY 26

LISTEN / SHARE “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ HERE
BUY / STREAM “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ 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

Photo Credit : Saffron Da’van // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES

Relentlessly inventive, the ever restless Pierre Kwenders announces his new EP, Tears On The Dancefloor, out February 26 via Moonshine / ADA Warner. This EP is a heartfelt ode to the dancefloor that marks a shift from big-picture ambition to an intimate exploration of human connection. With Tears On The Dancefloor, Pierre Kwenders takes listeners on a journey through the intricacies of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a celebration among close friends.

As a testament to the power of music as both a sanctuary and a space for self-expression, Tears On The Dancefloor invites audiences to step into a space where emotional depth and freedom collide, encouraging reflection, healing, and connection. Each track is a reflection of the personal and collective experiences we all share as we navigate love, joy, fear, and growth.

LISTEN / SHARE “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ HERE
BUY / STREAM “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ HERE

DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES

The EP opens with the lead single “Everyday” featuring Lady Donli and Gafacci, a tender celebration of love’s quiet beauty, where every laugh and sleepy morning shared with a loved one becomes a moment to cherish. Lady Donli’s voice adds a layer of warmth, turning this track into a heartfelt embrace. The record includes the second single “We Like” featuring Poté, a rallying cry for unity, a song for connection and celebration. “I’m honored to have collaborated with some of my favorite DJs and producers who have graced countless dance floors: Gafacci, Poté, Vanyfox, NegoO, and Dogzout,” says Kwenders. “Additionally, the incredible vocals of Pierre Lapointe, Lady Donli, Mopao Mumu, and Pony bring life and depth to this project. Together, we embark on a journey through the dance floor, exploring our innermost selves and emotions until we ultimately reach a place of freedom.”

Born José Louis Modabi in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pierre Kwenders blends pop, electronica and Congolese rumba while singing and rapping in Lingala, French, English, Tshiluba and Kikongo, and mining the languages' lyrical and aesthetic distinctions for peak emotional resonance. Inspired by the intricacies of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery, Kwenders returns with a new EP, continuing his exploration of musical boundaries and cultural narratives.

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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

PIERRE KWENDERS ONLINE
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PIERRE KWENDERS PRESENTS NEW SINGLE, “NIATA”

LISTEN / SHARE “NIATA” HERE
BUY / STREAM “NIATA” HERE

FROM DELUXE EDITION OF 2022 POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE-WINNING ALBUM,

JOSÉ LOUIS AND THE PARADOX OF LOVE, OUT JUNE 30, 2023 ON ARTS & CRAFTS

PRE-ORDER JOSÉ LOUIS AND THE PARADOX OF LOVE DELUXE LP HERE

PLAYING SELECT NORTH AMERICAN & EUROPEAN FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER

“His every song summons an international midnight.” — The New Yorker

“The sounds go beyond electronic to include Congolese rumba, pop, R&B and spectacular moments of jazz that completely overwhelm the senses. … a wonderland of rich textures.” — CBC Music

“Written across multiple cities and countries, the songs on this emotional opus range from festive to spiritual, carefully reflecting the artist's present outlook on the world.” — Exclaim

“Kwenders draws on and reassembles Black musical diasporic forms to exhilarating effect.” — Complex, “The Best Canadian Albums of 2022

Photo Credit : Camille Sauvayre  // DOWNLOAD HIGH RES

José Louis And The Paradox of Love, the acclaimed 2022 record released by Congolese/Canadian artist and icon Pierre Kwenders, “is an endlessly listenable album that combines pop, R&B and electronic music with melodic vocals delivered in a mixture of Lingala, French, English, Tshiluba and Kikongo.” (The New York Times). Today, Kwenders presents “Niata,” a new single from the forthcoming deluxe edition of José Louis And The Paradox Of Love, out June 30 on Arts & Crafts. Following the infectious single “SMT” (aka Social Media Therapy), “Niata” reminds of the boundless sonic spectrum that colors Kwenders’ 2022 Polaris Music Prize winning album.

Produced by Portuguese musician / DJ Branko, “Niata” captures the newfangled dancefloor rhythmics and multilingual storytelling of Kwenders’ heartfelt, celebratory music. Singing in a signature blend of Lingala, French, and English, over a minimal melodic beat, the charismatic Kwenders delves further into his journey of love and personal discovery. “‘Niata’ is a song that calls to be cautious and careful,” says Kwenders. “Reminding us that curiosity killed the cat, everything requires moderation, and that, in love, no one wants to walk on eggshells.”

LISTEN / SHARE “NIATA” HERE
BUY / STREAM “NIATA” HERE

MORE ABOUT PIERRE KWENDERS
Born in Kinshasa, capital of the 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, in 2001 Kwenders immigrated from Congo to Montreal. José Louis and the Paradox of Love is a culmination of personal growth and the musical dexterity Kwenders has honed over the years, converging his strong songwriting capabilities with the bravado he possesses as a DJ. The album explores an ongoing search to grasp the universal complexities of romance, sometimes through the lens of Kwenders’ own intimate experiences. The songs were written and recorded over the span of four years, and the album is symbolically titled after his birth name, José Louis Modabi. Through different moments of tension and release, romantic narratives of beauty and disaster are packed into powerful poetic musical vignettes.

LISTEN / SHARE / BUY / STREAM “SMT” HERE

PRE-ORDER JOSÉ LOUIS AND THE PARADOX OF LOVE DELUXE LP HERE

PIERRE KWENDERS TOUR DATES
Sun. May 20 - New York, NY @ Slow Factory x NY Live Arts Planet Justice
Fri. June 9 - Saint-Georges de Beauce, QC @ Festival Solstice *
Sat. June 10 - Montreal, QC @ Mural Festival *
Sat. June 17 - Toronto, ON @ Luminato Festival
Sat. July 2 - Trois-Rivières, QC @ FestiVoix (Scène du Jardin Bell)
Wed. July 5 - Montréal, QC @ Club Montréal TD (Festival International de Jazz de Montréal)
Sat. July 8 - Winnipeg, MB @ Winnipeg Folk Festival (Birds Hill Provincial Park)
Sat. July 15 - Cartagena, ES @ La Mar de Músicas
Sun. July 16 - Dour, BE @ Dour Festival *
Thu. July 20 - Ostrava, CZ @ Colours of Ostrava *
Fri. July 21 - Ostrava, CZ @ Colours of Ostrava
Sat. Aug. 12 - Gaspé, QC @ Festival de Musique du Bout du Monde *

* DJ set with Moonshine

BUY / STREAM JOSÉ LOUIS AND THE PARADOX OF LOVE

“HEARTBEAT” (FEAT. ANAIIS) VIDEO

“PAPA WEMBA” VIDEO

“KILIMANJARO” VIDEO 

"YOUR DREAM" (FEAT. NGABO) STREAM

“KILIMANJARO (LIVE)” VIDEO

PRAISE FOR JOSÉ LOUIS AND THE PARADOX OF LOVE

“[José Louis And The Paradox Of Love is] an endlessly listenable album that combines pop, R&B and electronic music with melodic vocals delivered in a mixture of Lingala, French, English, Tshiluba and Kikongo.” — The New York Times’ T Magazine

“[José Louis and the Paradox of Love is] a fluid, immersive work, vast but cohesive, elusive of genre, border, or trend.” — Rolling Stone

“Since his 2014 debut LP Le Dernier Empereur Bantou, Pierre Kwenders has been an invaluable force in Canadian music with his experimental and playful approach to Congolese rumba.” — The FADER

“A beguiling mix of multilingual Afropop, rhumba and R&B.” — The Guardian

"Kwenders exudes a poetic warmth that's hard to resist." — MOJO

“Kwenders’s music is transportive, beguiling, and emotionally relatable” — Bandcamp

"Inventive and heartfelt, a brilliant use of many genre conventions that respects them all but bows to none. Kwenders isn’t simply blazing a narrow trail here but opening up a cosmos." — PopMatters

“Rooted in a free-floating Congolese rumba-inflected electronic sound, José Louis and Paradox of Love is full of loose grooves and feather-light hooks.” — Loud And Quiet

“This Congolese-born, Montreal-based artist’s third album is a well-crafted, groove-driven blend of Congolese rumba, R&B and various electronic styles, combining bright synths, propulsive rhythms, occasional ringing guitars and soaring horns with buoyant melodies and multilingual lyrics.” — KEXP

“...the songs showcase him singing and rapping in Lingala, French, English, Tshiluba, and Kikongo over skittering programmed beats complemented at times by jazzy sax, rumba guitar, plucked mbira, and guest vocalists and producers from around the world.” — Washington City Paper

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JOSÉ LOUIS AND THE PARADOX OF LOVE DELUXE TRACKLIST:
1. L.E.S (Liberté Égalité Sagacité) (Feat. King Britt)
2. Your Dream (Feat. Ngabo)
3. No No No
4. Imparfait (Feat. Sônge)
5. Papa Wemba
6. Religion Désir
7. SMT
8. Makambo Ya Gaga (Skit)
9. Heartbeat (Feat. Anaiis)
10. Kilimanjaro
11. Niata
12. Coupé
13. Sahara
14. Radio trottoir - Interlude 
15. Good
16. Church (Likambo)
17. Vibraçao (Feat. Sarah Kalume)

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