Impressions of the No Logo Festival at Fraisans, France. 9/10/11 August, 2024. With Skarra Mucci, Mo’ Kalamity, Mystically, The Wailers, Kongo Blue, Sika Lion, Flavia Coelho, Jahneration, Johnny Clarke, Luciano, Kabaka Pyramid, Marcus Gad, Dezarie, Samory I, and more.
The Jura is known for its cheeses, wine, and forests… But when the small town of Fraisans attracts more than 17,000 people yearly, it’s all thanks to its festival! This is what makes No Logo the biggest reggae festival in France.
With a lineup that includes international stars, local bands, and artists, festival-goers had a variety of musical atmospheres to enjoy. While reggae remains the festival’s heart, attendees were also treated to electro sounds, like those of Chinese Man, African guitar rhythms from Fatoumata Diawara, and even rap from the Marseille group I AM.
A unique feature of No Logo is offering a “Carte Blanche” to certain artists, allowing them to invite others to share the stage for special performances, creating truly one-of-a-kind live collaborations!
DAY ONE, The festival kicked off with Pat Kalla and the Super Mojo, who had the honor of opening the event. Their blend of afrobeat, funk, and rumba set a lively tone and raised the already high temperatures.
Next, we embarked on a spiritual journey with Samory-I. Seeing him on stage is always thrilling, as he pours his heart into every song. This spiritual vibe continued with Dezarie, a rare performer in France and Europe. The Queen of Roots from the Virgin Islands dazzled the crowd with her powerful presence.
In this deeply roots-oriented atmosphere, the festival presented its first Carte Blanche to Kanak Marcus Gad. He invited the French vocal quartet Obidaya (whose new album is set to release later this year), along with Fab l&I, Sya, Ounine Pawoap (who previously performed with Marcus Gad at No Logo), and Racine Seggae from Mauritius.
The night then took us back to Jamaica with Kabaka Pyramid, who lit up the Fraisans stage, delivering his big hits to a completely enthralled audience.
As night fell, the mood shifted with the electro trio Chinese Man. Accompanied by a brass section and two MCs, they treated us to a blend of Latin sounds, trip-hop, hip-hop, and dub. The first day of festivities came to a close with Tetra-Hydro K.
THE SECOND DAY began for me at the festival-goers’ campsite, where I caught a performance by Nai-Jah. Then, it was off to the main stage to see Johnny Clarke, accompanied by the Dub Asante Band and Matic Horns. The audience eagerly sang along to the classics of this Jamaican legend.
Next up was another Jamaican reggae icon, Luciano, who took the stage with the Jah Messenjah Band.
The evening’s first Carte Blanche went to Brazilian artist Flavia Coelho, who effortlessly switched between pop, samba, reggae, and hip-hop. For her Carte Blanche, she invited La Dame Blanche, Sara Lugo, and Bazil to share the stage with her.
The night continued with a second Carte Blanche, featuring the French reggae duo Jahneration. As staples of the French reggae scene, they invited Balik (singer of Danakil), Taïro, and Queen Omega, who, as always, set the stage on fire with her commanding “Lioness” energy.
Anthony B, accompanied by the House of Riddim, kept the momentum going before handing the stage over to Joey Starr, the former frontman of the iconic French rap group NTM. Unfortunately, his performance was less than stellar, possibly due to the effects of the sun—or the rum…
THE THIRD AND FINAL DAY began just like the previous one, under the tent at the campsite with the band Kongo Blue from Dijon, followed by Sika Rlion, a young artist from Reunion Island whom I suggest you keep an eye on!
Back at the main stage, Eek-A-Mouse was scheduled to perform. However, the artist was unable to attend and was replaced by the female duo Mystically, much to the crowd’s delight—they didn’t miss a thing.
Next up was Mo’Kalamity, an artist from Cape Verde, who captivated the audience with her warm and powerful voice.
Following her performance, international artist Fatoumata Diawara took the stage. Armed with her electric guitar, she delivered an exhilarating mix of traditional African sounds with blues-rock, afrobeat, and jazz. Another fantastic musical journey!
We then returned to the roots of reggae with The Wailers, who performed classics by the great Bob Marley. The mood shifted with the next act. In France, when you hear “Marseille” and “rap,” only one group comes to mind: I AM. With more than 35 years of career, a legendary concert at the pyramids of Egypt, and iconic albums, they gave the 17,000 festival-goers a true hip-hop masterclass that night.
The festival’s final Carte Blanche went to Skarra Mucci, accompanied by Dub Akom. The Jamaican artist invited Manudigital, known for his digital sessions, and Soom T to join him on stage.
To wrap up the festival, La Petite Fumée took over, blending didgeridoo, rock, and electro-trance to create a perfect atmosphere for the end of the night.
The 11th edition of No Logo was a great success, with the organization (many thanks to Florent Sanseigne, festival director, and Nicolas Miot for his hospitality and professionalism!) and all the teams perfectly managing the event.
Luckily, we have the photos to remember the best moments from France’s biggest reggae festival. The date for next year is already set!
By Frédo Mat.
No Logo Festival Fraisans, France. 9/10/11 August, 2024
