The 2017 International Zouk Festival rewards its laureates

15 December 2017 Évelyne Chaville and Translation : Évelyne Chaville

Festival International du Zouk - 17a — Gwladys Marthély, the winner of the singing contest (Photo: Évelyne Chaville)

On Wednesday, December 13^th, between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm, the prize-giving was held for the various contests organized by the 10th edition of the International Zouk Festival of Guadeloupe whose theme was “Unity” that took place from July 22 to August 2, 2017.

Festival International du Zouk - 32a — The young DJ Dydy (12 years old) is the winner of the 2017 Best DJ Zouk Mix contest

This ceremony took place in front of L’Appart, this well-known restaurant-club in Jarry, in the commune of Baie-Mahault, in the open air and on a beautiful starry night. Zouk music, heritage of Guadeloupe and Martinique, could be appreciated by all the people who had come (contest participants, zouk lovers, sponsors, journalists etc.) thanks to the talent of the various DJs of this 2017 edition but also of the previous editions.

Only 12 years old, the young DJ Dydy caused a sensation behind the turntables when she played several zouk songs. The jury had not made a mistake by awarding to this very young girl who was trained by her father the 1^st prize of the “DJ Zouk Mix contest” after the final held on July 30 on the Datcha beach in Gosier. DJ Scorpio ranked second, DJ Crash, third.

Rhythms and Feelings” in 2018

Regarding the “Tremplin Fiz singing contest”, Gwladys Marthély won the 1^st prize after the final held last July 29 at the Auditorium of the city of Basse-Terre. The lucky winner performed for the audience her song “Kouté Manman-w” (Listen to your Mother) which warns young people against the temptations of our society. In 2018, thanks to the FIZ, she will make and release her single. The 2^nd winner in the singing contest is Maéla Gappu, the 3^rd winner is David Santos.

During this very friendly evening and, it must be noted, without alcohol, a delicious local foot beef soup was served to the guests. In addition, all the trophies awarded to the winners were made by the Guadeloupean sculptor Nicole Favières-Bourguignon who is part of the organizing team of the FIZ.

At the end of the event, Eugène Louisor, the creator of the International Zouk Festival announced that the 2018 edition will take place from July 20 to August 1 and the theme will be “Rhythms and Feelings”.