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Montreal’s renowned Kalmunity Vibe Collective, affectionately known as KVC, has carved a niche within the city’s vibrant arts scene. Founded a decade ago by Jahsun, who serves as the collective’s drummer and artistic director, the inception story of KVC is as rich and engaging as the music it produces. The name itself emerged during a car ride to the collective’s first performance at Sablo Kafe. Jahsun recounts, “Our name came from my childhood friend RawNia, who suggested ‘Kalmunity’ to reflect unity and community.” The transformation of the letter ‘C’ to ‘K’ encapsulates their distinct identity and mission.
Since its humble beginnings at Sablo Kafe, KVC has blossomed into a formidable cultural force in Montreal, orchestrating a multitude of events that celebrate various artistic expressions. Initiatives like the Intimate Sky performance series, Kalmunity Jazz Project Sundays, and the Kalmunity Black Liberation Month Series have garnered attention. Notably, their Live Organic Improv Tuesdays continues to flourish every week at Les Bobards (4328 St-Laurent), showcasing the dynamic nature of live performance.
The Kalmunity Jazz Project, held every Sunday at Dièse Onze (4115A St-Denis), stands as one of KVC’s flagship offerings. With an impressive roster that has expanded to between 60 to 100 artists, Jahsun estimates that the collective has seen over 500 performances, including memorable nights at the 2012 Montreal International Jazz Festival. This impressive lineage shows KVC’s deep roots in the musical landscape of Canada.
The collective’s musical style is a rich tapestry woven from various genres, including R&B, hip-hop, afrobeat, funk, reggae, soul, and jazz. This eclectic mix is accompanied by conscious lyrics that provide a voice for marginalized communities. As Jahsun articulates, “Our platform for expression is live organic improvisation, which incorporates music and poetic expressions in both French and English without any limitations on musical or poetic genres.” This commitment to diversity offers artists a space to explore and express their narratives freely.
Jahsun further elaborates on KVC’s legacy: “Our platform has evolved to become a vital space for alternative stories and artist development, which is often overlooked in the current music industry.” What began as a simple attempt to form a new platform has morphed into a large and welcoming artist collective akin to a family or a spiritual gathering. This familial atmosphere is palpable in their events, resonating deeply with both performers and audiences.
A myriad of talented musicians from Montreal’s landscape have graced the KVC stage. As the collective gears up for its 10th anniversary show, a star-studded lineup including Jonathan Emile, Sarah MK, and Lady Katalyst is set to light up the stage. Jahsun shared, “There are still quite a few performers who have been with the collective since the very beginning,” highlighting the enduring connections within this artistic family.
The theme of the anniversary celebration is The Elements: Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire, inviting both seasoned performers and fresh faces to join in the festivities. “I would love to see a lot of old faces in the audience too. For me, this is just a great celebration marking a positive collective that’s made a big difference in the arts in this city,” Jahsun expressed with enthusiasm.
Scheduled for March 30 at Cabaret du Mile End (5240 Parc Ave.), the concert is expected to start at 9 PM and delight attendees for over four hours, complete with an intermission for a relaxed experience. Tickets are accessible for $12 in advance (purchase here) or at the door for $15. Passionate concert-goers can find additional information on the official Kalmunity Vibe Collective website and through their Facebook page.
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