Fresh off his June appearance at the Francos de Montréal, Gims managed something very few artists can pull off: filling Montreal’s Bell Centre once again, just four months later. Launching his “Gims Winter Tour” in front of a sold-out crowd, the Congolese-born superstar bet on Quebec’s wild energy, and the audience delivered. The second he stepped onto the stage, the place erupted.
Two decades into his career, Gims showed up with his voice strong, his charisma magnetic, and his showmanship locked in. From the first beat, the energy never dipped. The crowd stayed on their feet through hit after hit. When he reached back for classics like “Désolé” and “Wati by Night,” the arena roared with nostalgia. These weren’t just songs but cultural touchstones for francophone hip-hop fans who grew up with Sexion d’Assaut’s raw, unfiltered approach to French rap. The group disbanded in 2013, but their mark on a generation remains. Flames shot toward the ceiling, confetti rained from above, and thousands of fans moved in sync with a performer who knows exactly how to work a room.
By mid-show, the standing ovations had become too frequent to count. Backed by a full crew of dancers adding flair and glamour, Gims tore through 26 songs, each one landing like a celebration. The pyrotechnics lit up the stage from start to finish.
Recently named Male Artist of the Year at Victoires de la Musique, France’s biggest music honour, Gims reminded Montreal exactly why he’s still a giant of francophone rap. His success in Quebec reflects the province’s deep connection to French-language music and its appetite for artists who bridge African and European influences. Born Gandhi Djuna in Kinshasa before moving to France as a child, he’s built a career that resonates across the francophone world, blending melodic rap with pop sensibilities and Afrobeat rhythms.
On this October night, he didn’t just play a concert. He created a shared experience, one beat and one voice at a time. What staying power looks like in modern music? This was it.
Review & Photos – Lena Trottein
Share this :
