Florent Vollant
Florent Vollant (born August 10, 1959 in Labrador) is a Canadian singer-songwriter. An Innu from Maliotenam, Quebec, he was half of the popular folk music duo Kashtin, one of the most significant musical groups in First Nations history.[1] He has subsequently released four solo albums.[2]
Florent Vollant | |
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![]() Florent Vollant performing in 2006 | |
Background information | |
Born | Labrador, Canada | August 10, 1959
Genres | Folk |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
Website | florentvollant |
In 1997, Vollant built his own recording studio – Makusham – on the reserve which is used by musicians inside and outside the community.[3] His solo album Puamuna, which means 'dreams' in Innu, was the first time Vollant recorded a full album in his own studio.[4] His Innu-language album of Christmas songs, Nipaiamianan, earned him an apostolic blessing from Pope John Paul II,[5] as well as the Juno Award for Aboriginal Recording of the Year in 2001.[6]
In 2020, he served as executive producer of Call Me Human (Je m'appelle humain), Kim O'Bomsawin's documentary film about Innu poet Joséphine Bacon. He is also a mentor to Nikamu Mamuitun, a collective of emerging First Nations musicians including Marcie Michaud-Gagnon, Joëlle St-Pierre, Kanen, Chloé Lacasse, Scott-Pien Picard, Matiu, Cédrik St-Onge and Ivan Boivin.[7]
He won the Félix Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year at the 41st Félix Awards in 2019.[8]
Discography
- Katak (2003)
- Nipaiamianan (2005)
- Eku Mamu (2009)
- Puamuna (2015)
- Mishta Meshkenu (2018)[9]
References
- Wheeler, Kim (23 May 2012). "National Aboriginal Day celebrated with Kashtin reunion". No. Aboriginal. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. CBC Music. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- Bolton, Ken (26 June 2014). "Makushan-maker". Beese Entertainment Publishing. What's Up Yukon. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- Tittley, Nicolas (July 14, 2015). "Florent Vollant: Rooted Nomad". Words and Music. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- "Florent Vollant on life after Kashtin". Ottawa Citizen. 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
- "2012 Festival Artists". Mariposa Folk Festival. Mariposa Folk Foundation. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- Cote, Abby. "New journey begins for Vollant: Aboriginal Juno nominees honored". Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA). Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- Philippe Papineau, "La forêt enchantée de Nikamu Mamuitun". Le Devoir, September 13, 2019.
- "Le Félix de Florent Vollant : une fierté partagée". Ici Radio-Canada Côte-Nord, October 28, 2019.
- "Mishta Mishkenu by Florent Vallant on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved October 9, 2018.