Banlieues Bleues

42nd Edition — March-April 2025

For its 42nd edition, Banlieues Bleues brought together from March 14 to April 11, 2025, a lineup of artists reflecting the diversity and audacity that have characterized the festival since its origins. The central theme of this edition was liberation — liberation of musical forms, representations, and identities.

Artists and Highlights

Saxophonist Joy Guidry opened the festivities with their queer and flamboyant jazz, earning a standing ovation at La Dynamo's Grand Chapiteau. Palestinian producer-poet Muqata'a delivered a striking electroacoustic performance blending beatmaking and slam in Arabic. Mike Ladd, a figure of New York's experimental hip-hop, presented his new project combining jazz and spoken word. The Quatuor Ahmed, an emerging European formation, closed the festival with irresistible collective energy.

In total, over 30 concerts were offered in ten towns in the department, with free shuttles connecting Paris to the partner venues each evening. Approximately 20,000 spectators attended the various performances.

Selection of the 2025 Program

• Joy Guidry: Saxophonist — queer and liberated jazz
• Muqata'a: Palestinian producer — electroacoustic and poetry
• Mike Ladd: Experimental hip-hop and jazz, New York
• Quatuor Ahmed: Contemporary European jazz
• Numerous emerging artists from the African, Caribbean, and South Asian scenes

Highlights of the 2025 Edition

• Theme: Liberation — shifting perspectives and revitalizing heritages
• Joy Guidry: Opening concert at La Dynamo, audience ovation
• Muqata'a: Palestinian electroacoustic performance, new in France
• 10 towns mobilized simultaneously in the department
• Free shuttles Paris–93 every concert evening