PIERRE KWENDERS

PIERRE KWENDERS

The Afrodiasporic Culture Curator

Congolese-Canadian musician Pierre Kwenders is a talent in his own right. But it’s together with creative director Hervé Kalongo that Pierre has captured the attention of Montréal — and the world — with Moonshine. By hosting experiential events and undertaking creative projects in various locations, from Montreal to Paris, and Abidjan to Venice Beach, they’ve fostered cultural exchanges, bridging gaps and cultivating a sense of unity among communities across continents. With each new destination, they continue to expand their reach and influence, sharing the rich tapestry of African and Afro-diasporic club culture and electrifying audiences with their Afro-futuristic, bass-heavy, electrofunk sounds. Their global presence is a testament to their pioneering spirit and dedication to celebrating and promoting the richness and diversity of artistic expression around the world using the power of experiential.

Photo via @moonshine.mu on Instagram

Projects

When Kwenders and Kalongo couldn’t find a space in the Montréal club scene that represented their music and culture, they decided to create one that did. Originally conceived of as a monthly all-nighter hosted on the first Saturday after the full moon and celebrating diversity and inclusivity, Moonshine has since evolved into a full blown international phenomenon. There are still lunar-based parties, which pop up all over the world and include special guests — footballer-turned-DJ Djibril Cisse, “aural healer” Emma Korentema, and American musician Georgia Anne Muldrow — as well as albums, streetwear and film, all inspired by the African diaspora. The duo also launched a community center and creative space, Club Sagacité, with the support of Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Employment Canada. Its objective is to provide a space, community and resources dedicated to uplifting underrepresented groups of artists in Montreal’s cultural landscape.

  • Moonshine’s Club Sagacité

  • Moonshine’s Club Sagacité

  • Moonshine

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Experiential Is Everything

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