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.
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.
