Back2Black Paris Festival
BACK2BLACK PARIS 2026
An Afro-Brazilian Manifestation in Paris
The festival makes its debut in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet featuring Gilberto Gil, Agnes Nunes, a samba circle, works by Carybé, and a screening of the documentary “3 Obás de Xangô.”
On April 3, the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet will host, for the first time, the festival that has been showcasing African culture and knowledge to the world for 17 years. With 12 editions held in Rio de Janeiro and one in London, Back2Black establishes itself in Paris as an Afro-Brazilian Manifesto — a meeting point between Brazil, Africa, and its diaspora, as well as an invitation to discover deeper readings of contemporary Brazilian cultural identity beyond the tropical imaginary.
The Ministry of Culture and Petrobras present: Back2Black Festival.
Sponsored by: Petrobras / Co-sponsored by: Embratur / Produced by: Natasha Artes and Théâtre du Châtelet.
“Where there is sponsorship, there is the Government of Brazil.”
PROGRAMME
GILBERTO GIL – One of the greatest names in the history of Afro-Brazilian music, will take the stage of the French theatre alongside his children and grandchildren. The performance follows the Brazilian closing of his “Tempo Rei” tour, marking his farewell to major stages. In Paris, Gil will present to the Back2Black Festival audience the great classics of his more than 60-year career.
AGNES NUNES and BLICK BASSY – Two leading voices of contemporary Afro-soul. The Brazilian Agnes Nunes and the Cameroonian Blick Bassy will present an unprecedented encounter of ancestry and musical expression. She moves between musical genres such as MPB, forró and blues, while he blends the African music of the Bassa people with soul, electronic and folk influences. In this special performance, the artists will present their solo works and a vibrant and contemporary musical dialogue.
UMAFRICANA – Of Luso-Guinean nationality, the DJ is known for her vibrant and intentional sets, offering a true journey through the pulsating rhythms of the African continent — Afrobeat, Amapiano, 3 Step, Gqom, Afrohouse, Kuduro, and Afrotech — which blend organically with influences from pop, R&B, funk, Latin sounds, and contemporary music.
“3 OBÁS DE XANGÔ” – This documentary revolves around the unconditional friendship between Jorge Amado, Dorival Caymmi, and Carybé, who were responsible for shaping an imaginative vision of “Bahian identity.” The three believed that the strength of their work lay in documenting what they saw in the streets: the resilience of Candomblé communities, the power of women, and the omnipresence of the sea. The film received the Grande Otelo Award from the Brazilian Academy of Cinema for Best Documentary Feature, as well as the Redentor Trophy for Best Documentary at the 2024 Rio Festival.
CARYBÉ – A highlight of the programme and scenography, artist Carybé is honoured with an exhibition of his works, which immortalised everyday life and spirituality through Afro-Brazilian culture. Far beyond the canvas, Carybé is one of the greatest names in Brazilian art. His sensitive perspective lives in the stories and symbols of each drawing, painting, mural and sculpture, totalling more than 5,000 works.
SAMBAIANA – Celebrating the soul of samba and female resistance, the group Sambaiana is composed of women musicians and was born in the sunny streets of Salvador (Bahia) in 2019. The collective challenges stereotypes and limitations, showing that women can not only lead but must also inspire in all areas of music.
LORENA PIRES – The first Afro-Brazilian woman to join the prestigious Paris Opera Academy, soprano Lorena Pires, 26, born in Espírito Santo and based in Paris, has been described as “the new highlight of the Brazilian lyrical scene” (Rádio MEC) and praised by the French press for her “round and homogeneous voice” and her “fervent delivery and flexible vocality” (Olyrix).
BAILE BOM – A party and themed bar created by Rosane Mazzer, one of the founders of the legendary Favela Chic, Baile Bom is an ode to vibrant Brazilian culture, bringing together dance, music, and visual arts, evoking the heritage of the peoples who shaped our music — always with joy and freedom.
Upon arriving in Paris, Back2Black affirms itself as an Afro-Brazilian Manifesto with a unique power to move and surprise Parisian audiences. Following the official celebrations of the Year of Brazil in France, the context is especially favourable for discovering deeper perspectives on Brazilian identity.
Connie Lopes, founder and Artistic Director of the festival, highlights that bringing the event to France for the first time is an invitation to look at Brazil beyond the tropical imagination:
“We arrive in Paris like a new breath, occupying an emblematic space. We are more than a single event — bringing Back2Black to Paris is an act of cultural diplomacy, affirming the continuity and vitality of the France-Brazil dialogue. It is a reaffirmation that African heritage is the beating heart of Brazil’s music, dance, flavours and spirituality. It is a moment to reveal the source of its creative energy.”
Learn more about Back2Black Festival
PROGRAMME
BACK2BLACK FESTIVAL
An Afro-Brazilian Manifestation in Paris
Date: April 3rd (Friday)
Location: Théâtre du Châtelet (Place du Châtelet, 1 Paris)
4:30 PM and 6:00 PM – Screening of the documentary “3 Obás de Xangô” (Salon Diaghilev)
6:00 PM – Opening of the Baile Bom Party (Grand Foyer)
7:00 PM – Umafricana
8:10 PM – Lorena Pires
10:45 PM – Sambaiana
8:00 PM – Agnes Nunes and Blick Bassy (Grande Salle)
9:20 PM – Gilberto Gil (Grande Salle)
Tickets: Sold Out
https://www.chatelet.com/programmation/25-26/back2black-festival
