For a rare time, a Granbyienne won top honors at the 54th Festival international de la chanson de Granby (FICG). The head wearing a flower, Oli Féra conquered the jury on Wednesday evening.
Her soft, yet punchy voice stole the show at the festival’s first “normal” edition in three years.
It must be said that the public was already a little won in advance. “It’s the second Granbyienne to win in 54 years,” confirms Geneviève Côté, the festival’s new director. What’s more, Oli Féra went to the national song school in Granby, another element of pride for the high place of music located in Estrie.
But beware of those who think that this proximity had something to do with it! The jury is made up of around a hundred industry professionals from across the Francophonie. The audience award was instead awarded to La Charpie.
Zéphyr Bielinski, Maude Sonier and Chino made up the rest of the table of finalists.
The chemistry has settled between Oli Féra and the almost full hall of the Palace of Granby, but also between the artists themselves. The 24 competitors did not seem to be in competition, says Geneviève Côté. “We don’t know if it’s an effect of the COVID-19, or what, but they really work together, like welded, brothers and sisters. They were in “coo-petition”. Many came back last night to watch the final. It’s very inspiring”.
A “rock” edition
It’s not easy to restart the festival following a virtual edition in 2020, then another “hybrid” in 2021. The new director took office barely two months before the start of the festivities. The height of the puzzle: the main street of Granby is gutted by a major construction site. “Until 5:30 p.m., we didn’t know if we were going to be able to use the main entrance,” sighs Geneviève Côté.
A famous virus also complicated the programming, putting a guitarist out of the circuit. The difficulty in finding technicians has not been easy for the new captain of the festival. “We are like ducks. Under water it moves a lot, but above it looks like a normal edit. It’s perfect, she said […] It’s a rock edition! »
The festival continues until Saturday.
