BLANDINE

Blandine, born in the Congo, arrived in Canada at age 15 when her family moved to Toronto as political refugees. As a child, she had listened to plenty of music, whether African, American or European, and she began singing at age 6, apprenticing in several jazz and classical choirs. After coming to Canada, she took part in various young talent competitions before studying music at York University.

Since age 20, she has served as a backup singer for renowned artists including Mbilia Belle, Lokassa Ya Mbongo, Awilo Longonmba, Mélanie Durrant, Nathalie Makoma and Donne Roberts. After setting foot on the stages of numerous festivals, she decided to pursue a solo career. She chose an R&B influence while blending African sounds with jazz or pop tunes.