What Happened at Grace Wales Bonner’s Music Event in Paris

On Friday 21 June, at the historic Hotel Le Marois in Paris, London-based designer Grace Wales Bonner unveiled the first edition of her new music series, Togetherness, during the city’s annual Fête de la Musique. This summer solstice celebration enlivens the city each year, aptly setting the scene for the designer’s latest musical initiative. Captured by photographer Jebi Labembika, Wales Bonner gives Something Curated access to Togetherness’ inaugural event through a series of previously unseen images.

The new series builds on the fashion designer’s exploration into the realms of music and live performance, which has previously seen her collaborate with the likes of Solange and Laraaji, among other artists. The first event showcased a dynamic line-up, highlighting the interconnectedness of diverse musical traditions. The evening featured performances from La Fève, a celebrated Parisian rapper, the mesmerising desert blues of Niger’s Etran De L’Aïr, and London-based multi-instrumentalist Mansur Brown, who blends club beats with jazz and R&B.

Senegalese percussionist Ibou Calebasse added rhythmic depth, while Sarz, the Nigerian producer known for his genre-defining Afrobeat hits, delivered a DJ set that energised the crowd. The line-up was rounded out by Chris Kirkley of Sahel Sounds, who brought the sounds of West Africa to Paris.

Reflecting on the event, Grace Wales Bonner shared, “It was a privilege to witness these artists shining together, and I am grateful for all of the energy they brought to the event. Togetherness, to me, is about providing unique musical experiences, so I am proud we were able to start with this special night in Paris.”

Sarz echoed this sentiment, remarking, “It was a super intimate night, and the audience’s energy was fantastic. From the moment I started playing, I could sense their enthusiasm and engagement. They were actively interested and receptive to the music. The atmosphere was electric, and their energy made the performance even more enjoyable. I feel the connection. It was one of those nights where everything just clicked perfectly. I definitely enjoyed their vibe, and it elevated the entire experience. Overall, it was a great night. Hotel Le Marois is different from other venues I’ve DJ’d at. The beautiful Parisian decor has an Old French style to it. It was an exceptional experience.”

Etran De L’Aïr also shared their thoughts on the experience, noting, “The concert was really different from a lot of the concerts we played, definitely we’ve never played in a place like this before. The audience seemed surprised and interested to hear our music, and it got them moving. There were a lot of artists there from all over the world, from all different kinds of music. Hotel Le Marois is an amazing place and full of beautiful things. We were really impressed.”

The night was a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures and experiences, attracting an eclectic crowd that included prominent figures such as artist Theaster Gates, stylist Karen Binns, filmmaker Mati Diop, poet and musician Mustafa the Poet, basketball player Jeremy Grant, GQ editor-in-chief Will Welch, rapper Smino, photographer Carlisle Aikens, musician and actor Yasiin Bey, and editor, stylist and creative director Ib Kamara.



Photography by Jebi Labembika