Pierre Kwenders

Pierre Kwenders, the Congolese-born, Montreal-based musician, songwriter, and DJ whose “every song summons an international midnight” (The New Yorker), returns today with the announcement of Tears On The Dancefloor (out 2/26 on Moonshine), his new EP and first new project since the release of his widely-praised Polaris Music Prize-winning album, the “fluid, immersive” (Rolling Stone) José Louis And The Paradox Of Love. In conjunction, Kwenders presents the EP’s lead single, “We Like” (feat. Poté). 

Tears On The Dancefloor is Kwenders’ heartfelt ode to the club, a testament to the power of music as both a sanctuary and a space for self-expression. A shift from the big-picture ambition of José Louis And The Paradox Of Love, the new project is an intimate exploration of human connection, exploring intricate themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. The tracks across Tears On The Dancefloor are a reflection of the personal and collective experiences we all share as we navigate love, joy, fear, and growth, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the emotions that arise when we connect with others and with ourselves, creating a space where emotional depth and freedom collide. 

With mixing and mastering by Pascal Shefteshy (Moonshine, Kroy, Vanyfox, Sébastien Tellier), Tears On The Dancefloor features collaborations with heavyweights of the Afro-electronic music scene, including Gafacci, Poté, Vanyfox, NegoO, and Dogzout. “I’m honored to have collaborated with some of my favorite DJs and producers who have graced countless dance floors,” Kwenders says. “Additionally, the incredible vocals of Pierre Lapointe, Lady Donli, Mopao Mumu, and Pony bring life and depth to this project. Together, we embark on a journey through the dance floor, exploring our innermost selves and emotions until we ultimately reach a place of freedom.” 

Lead single “We Like,” which features the St. Lucia-born, Paris-based electronic artist Poté, is a rallying cry for unity— a song for connection and celebration. In Kwenders’ words, the track is “an anthem that resonates with the call for love, comfort, passion, and togetherness—this is a song for freedom! It captures the essence of our shared humanity, inviting us to unite and celebrate our connections. We’re excited to embrace this message and let it inspire us as we navigate life together!” 

Born José Louis Modabi in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kwenders borrows his stage name from his late grandfather, a widely respected businessman and community figure. Following his mother’s footsteps, Kwenders immigrated from Congo to Montreal in 2001. His debut album, Le Dernier Empereur Bantou, was released in 2014, followed by MAKANDA at the End of Space, the Beginning of Time in 2017. Both albums garnered acclaim and earned Kwenders nominations for the coveted Polaris Music Prize. In 2022, Kwenders returned with José Louis and the Paradox of Love, a culmination of the personal growth and musical dexterity he’d honed over the years, converging his strong songwriting capabilities with the bravado he possesses as a DJ. The album was met with widespread praise from the likes of The New York Times, New Yorker, NPR’s All Things Considered, Rolling Stone, The FADER, MOJO, The Guardian, Bandcamp, and beyond, ultimately taking home the Polaris Music Prize for Canada’s Best Album. In 2023, José Louis and the Paradox of Love was shortlisted for the Juno Award for Global Music Album of the Year. 

“This journey through sound encourages us to embrace our feelings, celebrate our joys, and confront our fears, reminding us that the dance floor is not just a physical space but a sanctuary for our souls. In every beat and melody, we find an opportunity to reflect, heal, and connect on a deeper level.” — Pierre Kwenders