Smaïl Kanouté: “I was inducted by a Black Indian”

Transmission, memory, identity: BEHIND explores the trajectories of creatives of African descent and the cultural dynamics that fuel their work.

For this first capsule, we follow choreographer @smail_kanoute on Instagram as he creates his new work: CHIEF SOUT / BLACK INDIANS — a powerful performance inspired by the rituals of the Yellow Pocahontas, a community of Black Indians in New Orleans.

Initiated into their traditions, Smaïl weaves a vibrant dialogue between sacred dances, living memory, and cultural reappropriation.
A unique immersion with Big Chief Darryl Montana, Big Queen Dianne Honoré, and five musicians from the Souffle collective.