Last May, the artist Soul of Zoo unveiled his first album Connection, a vibrant and unifying work that celebrates the meeting of cultures, diversity and the universal language of music with prestigious collaborations from local and international artists such as Djely Tapa, Zal Sissokho, Matéo, Walid Ben Selim and Juan Garcia-Herreros (Snow Owl).
A true artistic crossroads, Connection brings together exceptional musicians established in Quebec, including several from Productions Nuits d’Afrique, alongside unique international voices.
Among the notable international collaborations, we find the Moroccan singer Walid Ben Selim, former member of the famous group N3rdistan recognized for his contemporary interpretation of classical Arabic and Sufi poetry.
As well as the internationally renowned bassist Juan Garcia Herreros, having collaborated with major international stars including Hans Zimmer and obtained several distinctions, including a Latin Grammy nomination. Known under the stage name Snow Owl, he is featured on two tracks on the album.
With Connection, Soul of Zoo offers a work rich in cultural crossings. The album notably highlights Djely Tapa, a major figure in contemporary Mandingo music and winner of several Juno awards, including that of the Global Music Album 2025. Heir to a great lineage of griots, she fuses Mandingo traditions, Malian blues and electro sounds in a bold and Afro-futurist approach. Zal Sissokho, kora master from Senegal, who perpetuates the heritage of the Mandé griots through an art anchored in memory and open to the contemporary world.
Matéo, Radio-Canada Revelation in world music (2020-2021), whose hybrid musical universe combines rock, cumbia, salsa, reggae, afrobeat and pop in a free and assertive signature. All based in Montreal, these artists infuse the album with the depth and richness of their respective heritages, creating an authentic and inspiring musical dialogue. Born from a deep desire for human connection, Connection explores universal themes such as love, harmony and the bonds that unite us across borders.
Each piece offers a journey that is both intimate and global, carried by sincere emotions and a resolutely inclusive vision. At the heart of this album, a simple and essential intention: to bring people together. Connection will be available on all digital platforms from May 1, 2026.
1. Balambele (ft. Mateo)2. Sabaly (ft. Djely Tapa, Zal Sissokho)3. Candy (ft. Mateo)4. Crepusculia (ft. Rafaelle)5. Entre Cielo y Tierra (ft. Mateo)6. I Live For The Moment (ft. Alradik)7. Ya Layli (ft. Snow Owl)8. O Do Ca (ft. Djely Tapa)9. Where Are You (ft. Walead)10. Kanou (ft. Djely Tapa, Zal Sissokho)11. Barefoot to Tomorrow (ft. Tyler W)
About Soul of ZooSoul of Zoo is a committed artist whose musical approach is part of a desire to create bridges between cultures and to bring traditions into dialogue with contemporary sounds. A French DJ and producer based in Canada since 2016, his universe mixes organic textures and electronic sounds, with a sensitive and immersive approach that goes beyond the dancefloor. He develops deep and balanced music, nourished by varied cultural influences. He has collaborated with several Montreal and international labels, participated in notable projects (PY1 Nights, Frog Collective, Cirque du Soleil) and performed on local and international stages. Supported by recognized artists, he will unveil his first album Connection on May 1, 2026, a collaborative work celebrating diversity and the universal language of music.