The Terre de Blues Festival

The Terre de Blues Festival in Marie-Galante is an annual musical event that takes place on the island of Marie-Galante, in Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean. It is one of the most popular festivals in the region, showcasing the richness of Caribbean music and culture. The Terre de Blues festival was created in 2000 with the initiative of Harry Selbonne then director of the Community of communes of Marie-Galante, and Camille Pélage, Director of the Tourist Office of Marie-Galante.

They then called upon Pierre-Edouard Décimus, founder of the group Kassav' and Eddy Compper to bring their know-how and effectively set up this great project on Marie-Galante. Initially called "Creole Blues", it becomes in 2005 the "Festival of Marie-Galante, Land of Blues", in order to put forward all the assets of the island. In 2016, the Guadeloupe region joined the project in order to support in partnership the Festival, the original idea being to want to link the 3 Saint-Louis cities (Saint-Louis in the United States where the Blue was born, Saint-Louis in Senegal and Saint-Louis of Marie-Galante) around the same musical project.

It is thus decided to invite an American artist of Blues, an African artist, a Jamaican artist, a Guadeloupean artist, a Martiniquean artist, an artist of the Caribbean and an artist of Marie-Galante. The Terre de Blues festival brings together local, regional and international artists to celebrate musical genres such as blues, reggae, jazz, zouk and other forms of traditional Caribbean music. Performances take place on several stages throughout the island, including beaches and historical sites, providing a unique atmosphere for spectators.

The festival also features a variety of cultural activities, such as art exhibits, dance workshops, local food tastings and guided tours of the island. Visitors have the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Marie-Galante while immersing themselves in Caribbean music and culture.

The Terre de Blues festival usually takes place during the Pentecost weekend, attracting thousands of people each year. It is a festive and convivial occasion to celebrate the music, dance and cultural diversity of the region.
For more information, please visit the dedicated website :Terre de blues

Previous editions (Wikipedia information):

20th edition: from June 7 to 10, 2019 with the program: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Big Daddy Wilson, Malavoi & Ralph Thamar, Tarrus Riley, Akiyo Mizik, Majò o Ka, Evaïana, Mas Ka Klé and Tanmpo Klassik Live [13]
19th edition: from May 18 to 21, 2018 with the program: Ky-Mani Marley, Diana King, The Como Mamas, Lycinaïs Jean, Oumou Sangaré, Jocelyne Béroard, Kozeika, Mulatason, Mélissa Laveaux.
18th edition: from June 2 to 5, 2017 under the posthumous sponsorship of Guy Tirolien. On the program: Ayọ, Malika Tirolien, Morgane Ji, Bobby Rush, Dissonance, Grupo Compay Segundo, Rony Théophile, Faada Freddy and Sizzla. The opening léwoz on the square of the Gare Maritime of Grand-Bourg with Akiyo Ka.
17th edition: from May 13 to 16, 2016 with the program: Maceo Parker, Lokua Kanza, Konshens, K'Koustik, Exile One, Elle&Elles, Ceïba, the duo Michel Mado - Fanswa Ladrezeau, Kan'nida and Beres Hammond. The latter being forced to cancel his concert, the festival programs Bunny Wailer. A few days before his concert Bunny Wailer cancels his tour for medical reasons. Finally, it is Israel Vibration which occurs on Sunday, May 1.
16th edition: from May 22 to 25, 2015 with the program: Anzala, Alain Jean Marie, Mayra Andrade, Jimmy Cliff, Vasti Jackson, Seun Kuti + Egypt 80, Sister Sledge, Guy Vadeleux and O'tantik, Nostalgia, Marlow Rosado and Misié Sadi.
15th edition: from June 6 to 9, 2014 with the program: G'Ny, Angélique Kidjo, Barrington Lévy, Flavia Coelho, Tito Puente Jr, James JT Taylor, Kan'Ifis, Jean Jean Roosevelt, Kenny Neal, E.sy Kennenga.
14th edition: from May 17 to 20, 2013 hosting 13,000 festival-goers, with the program Raúl Paz, Kassav', Damian Marley, Mizikopéyi Big Band, Admiral T, Nile Rodgers &Chic (group), Omar Pène & Super Diamono, Strings and Guy Davis.
13th edition: from 25 to 28 May, 2012 with the program: Albita, Alpha Blondy, FM Laeti, Heritage Blues Orchestra, Kwaxicolor, Lura, Richie Spice, Triple Kay, Christian Laviso feat David Murray.
12th edition: from 10 to 13 June, 2011 with the program: Jean Michel Rotin, Keziah Jones, Anthony B, Soweto Gospel Choir, Ladell Mc Lin, Choco Orta, Emeline Michel, Madinn'K, Midnight Groovers.
11th edition: from May 21 to 24, 2010 with the program: En Vogue, Morgan Heritage, Richard Smallwood, Bélo, Ismaël Lô, Soft, Victor O, Alka Omeka, Alfredo de la Fe
10th edition: from May 27 to June 1, 2009 with the program: Capleton, Richard Bona, Orquesta Broadway, Yann Négrit, Valérie Louri and Lucky Peterson.
9th edition: from May 8 to 12, 2008 with the program: Patrick St-Eloi, Faudel, Malika Tirolien, London Community Gospel Choir, Steel Pulse, Rico Toto, Rubby Perez, Juju Child, Mounkaraïb.
8th edition: from May 26 to 28, 2007 with the program, among others, Johnny Clegg, Akiyo, Women of Chicago blues, Beenie Man.
7th edition: from June 1 to 5, 2006 with the program, among others, Salif keita, Youth Waves Culture and Acantha.
6th edition: from May 10 to 16, 2005 with the program, among others, Lokua Kanza, Eddie Palmieri, Kenny Garrett & Christian Laviso, New York Groove all stars blues.
5th edition: from May 25 to 31, 2004 with Miriam Makeba, Camille Soprann, Dominik Coco, Pandit Sahaï, Mighty Sparrow [29]
4th edition: from June 6 to 9, 2003 with the program, among others, Rhoda Scott, Mahamadou Cissoko, Tradicion Habanera, Joëlle Ursull, Dédé Saint Prix, Akademiduka
3rd edition: from May 17 to 20, 2002 with the program, among others, Manu Dibango, Max Rippon, Mario Canonge, Keith B Brown
2nd edition: from June 1 to 4, 2001 with, among others, Mississippi Blues, Ralph Tamar, Tanbou Guiné, Tania Saint Val
1st edition: from June 9 to 12, 2000 with artists from Cuba, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Senegal, Guyana and Saint Louis of Mississippi (USA)