New Delhi   

The French connection

Madhur Tankha

Showcasing French-speaking countries

NEW DELHI: Bringing alive the richness, exuberance and diversity of different French-speaking countries will be the colourful "Francophonie Mela" that opens at Alliance Francaise de Delhi here on Saturday.

Besides celebrating the French language through fun-filled activities, the much-awaited mela will offer a wide assortment of traditional yet tasteful delicacies, cheese and wines from different Francophonie countries along with games for kids. There would also be stalls of these countries.

For general knowledge enthusiasts, there would be a quiz in which winners would walk home with interesting prizes. This will be followed by live musical performances by bands. Famous Senegalese Daara J's band will belt out African rhythms, rap and hip-hop. The band members are Faada Freddy, Alaji Man, and N'Dongo D. Faada Freddy.

Tasso

Tasso, which provides inspiration for Daara J's work, is the original form of rap passed down from father to son. Tasso was typically used in Senegal to discuss the environment, living conditions, and the country's situation and hopes for the future. The trio focus on the ills of globalisation, the perils of a traditional society, the threatened environment and spirituality. They are winners of the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for "Best African Act.

FrancophonieDay is celebrated in different corners of the globe on March 20. Each year, this day brings together the member-countries of the International Francophonie Organisation. The theme for this year is "Live together, in diversity".

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Congress accused of not providing relief to people of Delhi
2,575 candidates in the fray for MCD elections
Protest march to mark the anniversary of martyrdom
Showcasing Australia
"Need to present objective history of freedom struggle"
The French connection
Maken urges BJP not to politicise sealing issue
Six killed in Karol Bagh fire
Reigning queen of the small screen still wanting to go miles
New member of AMU Court
A date with the President
Hues of fashion
Around the City
Briefly
In the Capital Today
Revelations by accused in Noida killings shock nation

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu