The Beat Goes On: Sully Cally at the MIF Show 2024
Ah, Paris! The city of love, lights, and now, the luring sound of drums as we gear up for the MIF (Made In France) show happening from November 8 to 11, 2024. This year, the spotlight is on a musical maestro, Sully Cally, a jack-of-all-trades and master of drum-making! Who knew that the rhythm of Martinique would be drumming its way into the heart of the French capital?
“The drum, more than an instrument, is a central element of our historical, cultural and generational heritage.” Ah, wise words from our dear friend Sully! If drums could talk, they’d probably throw a massive tantrum about being overlooked. After all, a good drum doesn’t just keep time; it keeps generations alive! Each beat is like a tap on our collective memory, reminding us of the rich history tied to African cultures and the vibrant Martinican identity.
So, what’s on the agenda for the MIF show? Picture this: about a thousand exhibitors, spanning nearly ten sectors—from fashion to gastronomy, and of course, the spotlight shines ever so brightly on craftsmen and -women like Sully. Now, that’s a feast for the senses! And thank heavens for that Craft Village by CMA France, which will undoubtedly be hopping with a crowd eager to tap their feet to the rhythm of creativity.
“Crafts will once again be in the spotlight with the Craft Village by CMA France, which will welcome over 2000m², more than 200 artisans from all over France…”
And guess where you’ll find Sully? He’ll be greeting you at stand F44 – 73 in the “Village de l’Artisanat”—where his drums will be strutting their stuff, not just for show, but also up for grabs! That’s right folks, you can buy a bit of history and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of cool. Just imagine the hipster credentials you’ll flaunt when friends ask about that exquisite drum in your living room. “Oh, this old thing? Just a piece crafted on a mystical island by a man who’s one with the forest,” you’d say, as you quietly sip your overpriced coffee. (Whispers) It could also double as a decorative piece…just in case it doesn’t see the stage at Glastonbury.)
Now, let’s talk about the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making these instruments. Picture Sully Cally, clad in a shirt that’s seen better days, rummaging through a forest in Martinique, handpicking wood as if he were on an obscure treasure hunt—except instead of gold, he’s hunting for that perfect timber to breathe life into a drum. How poetic! And also quite exhausting—I hope he packs snacks. If there’s one thing we can’t overlook, it’s the dedication that a drum-maker pours into his craft—a true labor of love, and quite possibly a few blisters, but hey, beauty comes at a price!
So pencil in those dates, grab your beret, and prepare to be entranced by the sounds of the islands, Paris! The MIF show promises not only to showcase products made on French soil but to uplift and celebrate the heart and soul behind those products. With Sully Cally leading the charge, we can expect a nod not just to craftsmanship but to the cultural legacies that bind us through rhythm and music. Let’s raise a drumstick to creativity, culture, and a captivating experience that will have us all dancing our way through the aisles!
From November 8 to 11, 2024, Sully Cally, a multifaceted artist renowned as a percussionist, dancer, actor, host, producer, writer, and most significantly, a drum maker, will proudly display his handcrafted instruments at the prestigious MIF (Made In France) show held at Porte de Versailles in Paris. “The drum, more than an instrument, is a central element of our historical, cultural and generational heritage,” emphasizes this passionate cultural activist, acknowledging the profound significance of the drum in his work and community.
Sully Cally’s exquisite drums, which embody the rich cultural tapestry of Martinique, will take center stage at the “Made In France” trade show over the course of four days. This musical instrument serves as a potent symbol of Martinican identity and traditional music, with its roots deeply embedded in African cultures that were brought by slaves to the Caribbean islands. As Cally points out, each drum tells a story of resilience and cultural continuity.
The inclusion of Cally’s drums within the grand exhibition of the MIF, known as “the largest event celebrating French manufacturing”, presents a unique opportunity for the thousands of visitors expected to attend. Here, attendees can immerse themselves in the rich cultural narratives tied to these instruments and engage directly with Sully. He is regarded as one of the rare drum manufacturers in Martinique, holding closely the secrets of drum crafting honed in his workshop located in Fort-de-France, where each piece is meticulously created.
The drum, more than an instrument, is a central element of our historical, cultural and generational heritage.
The highly anticipated 12th edition of the MIF, which attracts around 1,000 participants, spans nearly 10 sectors, including fashion & accessories, beauty & well-being, gastronomy, home & decoration, leisure, tourism, services, and crafts. This diverse showcase highlights the vibrancy of French artisanship and the importance of local production.
Crafts will once again be in the spotlight with the Craft Village by CMA France, which will welcome over 2000m², more than 200 artisans from all over France. The event will highlight initiatives and innovations that contribute to strengthening the national industry through 6 Made in France Grands Prix.
Attendees will find Sully Cally’s drums on display and available for purchase at the “Village de l’Artisanat” stand – F44 – 73 during the Show. Cally, a state graduate of the prestigious Eric Satie Conservatory, brings his expertise in traditional instrument practice to bear as he showcases his craftsmanship and creativity.
**Interview with Sully Cally: The Drum Beats of Martinique in Paris**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Sully! It’s a pleasure to have you with us as we look forward to the MIF show 2024. Can you start by telling us what it means for you to showcase your drums in Paris?
**Sully Cally:** Thank you for having me! Bringing my drums to Paris is like carrying a piece of my home to the world. The drum is not just an instrument; it embodies the spirit of Martinique, our history, and our traditions. To present my work at such a prestigious platform as the MIF show, where so many artisans gather, is truly an honor. It allows me to share our cultural narratives through rhythm.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that the drum carries a deep historical significance. Can you elaborate on that?
**Sully Cally:** Absolutely! The drum represents resilience, unity, and a connection to our ancestors. It’s a reminder of the African cultures that were brought to the Caribbean and how music has been a unifying force through generations. Each beat has a story; it speaks of our struggles, celebrations, and the rich heritage of Martinican identity.
**Interviewer:** You’ll be part of the “Village de l’Artisanat” section at the MIF. What can visitors expect from your stand?
**Sully Cally:** My stand will be a vibrant representation of Martinique’s culture! Visitors will see various handcrafted drums up close, and not just that—there will be opportunities to learn about the drum-making process. I want people to feel the connection between crafting these instruments and the cultural narratives they hold. And of course, I hope they’ll take home a piece of that history!
**Interviewer:** Crafting these drums is undoubtedly a labor of love. Can you share some insights into your crafting process?
**Sully Cally:** Each drum starts with a journey into the forests of Martinique. I select the wood based on its quality and resonance. This process can be exhausting, but it’s essential. Every scratch and every curve is purposely made to create a specific sound and feel. It’s a blend of artistry and tradition, and yes, I do have to pack some snacks for those long days in the forest!
**Interviewer:** What message do you hope to convey with your participation in the MIF show?
**Sully Cally:** I want to highlight the importance of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. When people support artisans, they’re not just buying a product; they’re investing in stories, traditions, and history. I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the arts and the understanding that every drum has a tale waiting to be told.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sully! We’re excited to see what you’ll bring to the MIF show, and we wish you all the best.
**Sully Cally:** Thank you! I can’t wait to share the rhythms of Martinique with everyone in Paris! Let’s make music together!
