Festival SOUK DU SUD 2025 | FANMI is FANMI | BROSSARD

Québec – “Good morning and good evening. Depending on where you are, this is the show Community in Action,” announced Alexis Manirakisas at the opening of his show, before introducing his special guest, Jénie, whose face radiated a contagious smile.

Jénie, or rather Janis, is the co-founder of the association Family is Family, a Haitian community organization dedicated to promoting social and cultural cohesion. “Family is family, that’s in Haitian Creole. It means that everyone can consider themselves a member of this great human family,” he explains.

The main focus of this interview was the presentation of the Sou du Sud festival, a cultural event that will take place on August 29 and 30 at Place de la Gare in Brossard, on the South Shore of Montreal.

“When I heard Sou du Sud for the first time, I thought it was ‘Zou du Sud,’ but that’s not what it is,” Janis clarifies. The term “Sou” actually comes from an Arabic word referring to a traditional market. “We are not only talking about crafts, but about the idea of gathering and sharing diverse cultures.”

The festival will be multidisciplinary and free for the public: “The music and arts that people will discover are free. Everyone is invited, whether you live in Brossard, Longueuil, Montreal, Joliette, or even Gaspésie.” The event aims to bring people together and promote cultural and intergenerational diversity: dance, visual arts, circus, poetry, and musical performances will be highlighted.

“Family is family,” emphasizes Janis, “and we want our community to grow. This festival is an opportunity to gather, enjoy the summer, and life together.”

Among the musical lineup, festival-goers will be able to discover artists such as Anderobal, Lestoches, Magdala, Matador, Aras Soleil, Queen, Ad Guismo, and Kisaba. In addition to music and arts, the festival will offer activities for young people, inflatable games, storytelling sessions, and local culinary options,

including bites provided by partner restaurants such as Huakaya, Chez Lionel, and La Cage aux Sports.

In conclusion, Janis delivered a final message to the audience: “I invite everyone to join us for Sou du Sud, enjoy the summer, the music, the arts, and life as a family. Family is family.”

The Sou du Sud festival will take place over two days, August 29 and 30, at Place de la Gare in Brossard, offering a cultural and friendly experience for all ages and backgrounds.