PIERRE KWENDERS’ TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR EP OUT TODAY ON MOONSHINE
WATCH / SHARE “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ (MUSIC VIDEO)
BUY / STREAM 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
Today, Pierre Kwenders, the Congolese-born, Montreal-based musician, songwriter, and DJ releases his new EP, Tears On The Dancefloor via Moonshine, and unveils the video for its lead single, “We Like”, featuring St. Lucia-born, Paris-based electronic artist Poté. Directed by Stephen Trivieri with cinematography by Bryan Beltránd, the “We Like” video captures a vivacious scene in Barrio Pablo Escobar in Medellín, Colombia. In keeping with the song’s rallying cry for unity, connection, and celebration, the video features dancers Anny Atehortúa, Kathe Villa P, Santiago Murillo Lopez dancing in the streets and restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
WATCH / SHARE “WE LIKE” FT. POTÉ (MUSIC VIDEO)
On Tears On The Dancefloor, Kwenders’ first new project since his widely praised Polaris Music Prize-winning album José Louis And The Paradox Of Love, Kwenders delivers a heartfelt ode to the club, intimately exploring themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. The tracks across the EP 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.
With mixing and mastering by Pascal Shefteshy (Moonshine, Kroy, Vanyfox, Sébastien Tellier), Tears On The Dancefloor features collaborations with heavyweights of the Afro-electronic music scene, including Gafacci, Poté, Vanyfox, NegoO, and Dogzout. “I’m honored to have collaborated with some of my favorite DJs and producers who have graced countless dance floors,” Kwenders says. “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.”
LISTEN / SHARE “EVERYDAY" (FT. LADY DONLI, GAFACCI) HERE
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.
BUY / STREAM TEARS ON THE DANCEFLOOR HERE
TOUR DATES
Sat. Mar. 1 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
Fri. Apr. 11 – Amsterdam, NL *
Sat. Apr. 12 – Brussels, BE @ Les Halles de Schaerbeek
Fri. Apr. 18 – London, UK *
Fri. Apr. 25 – Athens, GR *
Fri. May 2 – Lisbon, PT *
Sat. May 3 – Barcelona, ES *
Sun. June 8– Réunion, FR @ Sakifo Musik Festival
* secret location shows
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
