Last Saturday, September 27, Saint-Denis Street buzzed with energy as an almost endless line of fans gathered outside the Ninety, at the corner of Rachel Street. The occasion: a live recording session for several tracks from Damso’s upcoming project, BYH2, a potential follow-up to BĒYĀH, released earlier this summer.
Announced only days before on Instagram, the event quickly set the city alight. Hundreds of fans nearly filled the streets, confirming Damso’s growing influence far beyond Europe. Supporters from across French-speaking Canada came out in full force to witness the artist bring new music to life in real time.
Damso has built an international reputation with albums such as Ipséité (2017), Lithopédion (2018), and QALF, along with global hits like Macarena, Amnésie, and BruxellesVie. With multiple gold and platinum certifications and hundreds of millions of streams, he has established himself as a major figure in Francophone rap. Coming from Belgium, a bilingual country with a smaller rap market, much like Quebec, Damso represents a rare case of global success beyond local borders.
Announced only days before on Instagram, the event quickly set the city alight. Hundreds of fans nearly filled the streets, confirming Damso’s growing influence far beyond Europe. Supporters from across French-speaking Canada came out in full force to witness the artist bring new music to life in real time.
Damso has built an international reputation with albums such as Ipséité (2017), Lithopédion (2018), and QALF, along with global hits like Macarena, Amnésie, and BruxellesVie. With multiple gold and platinum certifications and hundreds of millions of streams, he has established himself as a major figure in Francophone rap. Coming from Belgium — a bilingual country with a smaller rap market, much like Quebec — Damso represents a rare case of global success beyond local borders.
Asked why he chose Montreal for the BYH2 recording, Damso told Billboard Canada:
“It’s the atmosphere, the kindness of the people. I’ve always felt very welcome here.”
For Blynk, the experience was unforgettable:
“Damso’s team reached out almost by chance two weeks ago, and our first meeting happened live, in front of everyone. It’s an honor, and it really motivates us for what’s next.”
Damso further explained the spirit behind the project:
“BYH2 is about creating songs with passionate artists I admire who aren’t necessarily well known, and shining a light on them by including their work on the album. It’s about reconnecting with what made me fall in love with music: sharing and passion.”
Now heading to Paris Fashion Week, Damso plans to return to Montreal in 2026. Asked about his immediate plans, he replied in his signature melancholic tone:
“Live a little, make music, and explore the world of fashion… maybe design some clothes.”
Montreal, once again, left its mark.
