Dynastie Unplugged showcases best in music from Quebec’s Black communities

The 2024 Semaine Dynastie is a week-long celebration in Montreal featuring exceptional achievements by personalities from Quebec’s Black communities in media, arts, and culture. One of the artists featured is Dix-iple Deca, who has been an emcee, rapper, and beatmaker for the past 20 years.

“After years of working in the craft, working the scene, I feel seen,” said Deca.

“I’m not the only one, but a lot of us are working in the dark, in the shadows, and in a world where most, the most popular genre is either hip-hop or urban music as we like to say, and although we’re supposed to be in the forefront, we’re too often in the background. So events like these help push us back to the surface, and I feel like things are moving right now.”

Dix-iple Deca is nominated for Musical Revelation of the Year at this year’s Gala Dynastie.

“Every year we have Gala Dynasty, and we wanted to have just a series of events that would allow for showcasing talents, developing networking, allowing people to come to gather, celebrate together,” said Tracy Paulottem the head of programs and outreach with Fondation Dynastie.

Deca is known for his energy, spontaneity, and technique, as well as for sharing the stage with hip-hop legends such as Smif-N-Wessun, Brother Ali, and Maestro Fresh Wes. 

“My lyrics have always been socially conscious. I’ve always discussed the plight not only as a black man or a black person in Montreal, in Quebec, but I think it’s important, and it’s something that’s missing sometimes in the music,” said Deca.

Dix-Iple Deca is also an inspiration to his three children who each produce music. His son Jamal Jaykob performs with him as well.

Deca or The Beard as some people call him is taking the stage at Place des Arts Wednesday evening to showcase his music as part of The Dynastie Unplugged event that features artists nominated for Gala Dynastie soirée culture awards as well as other up-and-coming musical talents. 

“I’d like to call it the mini gala where we have the comedians that are nominated this year, podcasters as well as emerging artists to come and have a showcase in a very relaxed, very fun ambiance,” said Paulotte. 

Deca adding, “It’s cool to have a night. It’s cool to have a week. It would be cool if we could extend that to all year.”