Mohamed Lamine Touré - Compagnon des arts et des lettres du Québec

Former dancer and choreographer with Guinea’s Ballet National, Mohamed Lamine Touré arrived in Montréal in 1974, with his rich experience and dream of shining a light on African music, to the chagrin of his father, who wanted him to go into business.

The opening of Café Créole and Club Balattou laid the foundations of an empire of diversity, where the African diaspora converged with Quebecers, who were curious about this novel cultural immersion. The adventure continued with the creation of the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique, which recently celebrated its 35^th anniversary and is one of the leading world events focused on music and dance from people of African descent. A variety of pan-African expressions are showcased through programming that features stars and emerging artists.

Bringing together talent and cultures, Mohamed Lamine Touré has never stopped expanding his audiences’ horizons. The places he has founded have become institutions and enrich life in Montréal and the lives of hundreds of artists he has promoted. Harnessing his experience and generously sharing his encyclopedic musical knowledge, he founded Productions Nuits d’Afrique to help integrate younger generations to the professional scene and launched initiatives to break the isolation of immigrants.

No baobabs grow in the Jardin botanique de Montréal, but an astonishing specimen has put down roots on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, with branches that harmoniously cover the city.

About the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec

The Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec is a distinction bestowed by CALQ honouring those individuals who have played a prominent role in Québec's artistic development.

The CALQ would like to thanks its partners, the Caisse de la Culture and the newspaper Le Devoir.

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