The Emidy Project

A MUSICAL ODYSSEY OF A GUINEAN SLAVE WHO DARED TO DREAM

New creation by Tunde Jegede (Anglo-Nigerian composer and multi-instrumentalist), THE EMIDY PROJECT tells the extraordinary experience of Joseph Antonio Emidy, a mixed-race violin virtuoso from the 18 th century, who was a slave before becoming a conductor and composer. Tracing Emidy’s path, these chronicles recount an astonishing journey across three continents : Africa, South America and Europe. They convey the moving story of someone who travelled oceans, lands and cultures embracing the worlds of classical, African and South American music, more than two hundred years ago. In this multimedia creation, video, dance movements and music interact and enrich one another to bring a touching far-reaching portrait of Joseph Emidy, first composer of the African Diaspora.

Tunde Jegede / Diana Baroni / Simon Drappier / Rafael Guel / Ishimwa Muhimanyi / Gora Diakhate / Sunara Begum / Raoul Titinsnaider