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Rythmes Francophones kicks off in spite of rain in Bucharest

Oana Ghita

The festival started on a rainy Saturday evening in Revolution Square.

The Rythmes Francophones series of musical performances that will take place until September 30 as part of the Francophone Summit opened Saturday night in Piata Revolutiei, in spite of the rain that kept the number in attendance lower than estimated.

Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs Adrian Iorgulescu, who delivered a speech before the show began, was satisfied with the event in spite of the small number of spectators. "Rain is a symbol of fertility and richness," said Iorgulescu as he demonstrated his enthusiasm for the events to come in the context of the Francophone Summit, which will take place in Bucharest from September 27 to September 29. During this coming week, the residents of Bucharest will enjoy a feast of French culture, as dance shows, movies and concerts will be presented throughout the week. The state secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cristian Preda also held a speech as he represented President Traian Basescu at the event.

French-Canadian act Blou opened the show, followed by Moroccan performer Safaa. Blou's music is a unique melange of sounds, having Canadian music with violin reverberation as a basis.

The rain only left a few people in Piata Revolutiei, but the scant crowd did not spoil the performers' enthusiasm in any way, as the artists invited the few dozen people in attendance to dance to their music. Some of the spectators dared to get out from underneath their umbrellas and enjoy the sounds, but most of them preferred to stay sheltered from the rain.

The show, which was designed to comprise a variety of musical genres in order to emphasize the multiculturalism of Francophone countries, will include Monday a performance by Romanian artist Nicu Alifantis, followed by Marlene Docena of Haiti. On Tuesday, the public is invited to see Romanian act Gloria and Les Nouveaux Mondes of Quebec, Canada. Wednesday Romanian acts Akcent and Alb si Negru and Jean-Francois Breau will perform at Piata Revolutiei. Thursday is reserved for Zdob si Zdub, a Moldovan act that has gained acclaim in Romania with their fusion of hardcore and ethnic sounds. Zdob si Zdub will be followed by Belgain act Miele. Romanian Pop star Loredana will hold a concert Friday, performing before a concert by Nfaly Kouyate and Dunykan from Guinea. Saturday is reserved for the sounds of Africa, as Ma Sane and Waflash of Senegal take the stage in the first show of the day and Saintrick of Congo and Abayazid of Djibouti will share the stage for the second performance. The Rhythmes Francophones show also includes movie screenings at the same location. The movies come from various countries such as Lebanon, Vietnam, Madagascar and Canada. Movies that have highlighted past editions of the European Film Festivals, such as "Amelie" and "Le 8eme Jour" be part of the program. All the events comprised in the Rhythmes Francophones are free to attend.