Softness, concentration and perspiration with Johan Papaconstantino

Johan Papaconstantino played his tender melodies to a sweat-soaked audience in the heat, fatigue and dust of the last evening of Paléo. Accompanied by his bouzouki and a smile, the artist offers a very special style.

On this sixth day of the festival, the ground is nothing but dry earth and the air is nothing but dust. All this, accompanied by stifling heat and a wind that blows your hair off. It's a hot day. The previous days of the event are evident on the faces. But the audience is not discouraged! This closing evening features a varied program: Stéphane, an emerging Swiss artist, Adé, singer from the former group Thérapie Taxi, and Indochine, who would be rude to introduce. And among this French-speaking line-up, we find Johan Papaconstantino under the Club Tent at the start of the evening, fifteen minutes late due to another concert.

This musician, author, composer and performer is accompanied by percussion, keyboards and machines. For the majority of his songs, he plays the bouzouki, a Greek string instrument. All these instruments, together with his sometimes deep, sometimes nasal voice, create a very special sound and rhythm. The concert begins with TataThe cadence is both lively and gentle. The singer exudes serenity and shyness. He seems to be in his own bubble, very focused on his words and notes. From time to time, he returns to his audience and sometimes goes off to play the tam-tam with his percussionist.

The audience is sweating. Bodies are dripping while minds are revelling in the concert. Young and old alike seem to be enjoying themselves, so much so that by the end of the show, Even the most reluctant listeners sway to the singer's words. And when he sings Blue words by Christophe, one of the songs that made him famous, he sweeps everyone off their feet. Just as he seduces the audience with a new song, not yet available. Johan Papaconstantino's simplicity on stage contrasts with the originality of his music: you can't blame him for lacking modesty.

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