Damso definitely surprised his Canadian fans in Montreal last weekend.
Last Saturday (September 27), Saint-Denis Street buzzed with energy as a seemingly endless line of fans waited for a chance to see the Belgian rap sensation. Outside the Ninety, at the corner of Rachel Street, crowds gathered for the live recording of several tracks from Damso's upcoming project BYH2, a potential follow-up to BĒYĀH, released earlier this summer. Announced just days before on Instagram, the event quickly set the city alight, drawing fans who nearly filled the streets. Damso’s influence, now reaching far beyond Europe, was evident as devoted supporters from across French-speaking Canada came out in full force to celebrate the artist.
« BYH2 » Live Recording in MontrealPhoto : Alexis Belhumeur
Damso has earned 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 firmly established himself as a key figure in Francophone rap. For a country the size of Belgium — which, like Quebec, navigates a bilingual environment with a smaller rap scene — Damso stands out as an example of international success beyond his local market.
« BYH2 » Live Recording in MontrealPhoto : Alexis Belhumeur
During his last visit to Montreal in 2023, Damso sold out two shows at Place Bell, cementing his connection with the local audience, a bond that was unmistakably felt again on Saturday.
The concept, already successfully tested in Paris, combined boldness and simplicity: the beatmakers and producers created the tracks live in front of the audience, while Damso wrote and recorded his verses on the spot. For this edition, the artist called on Laval-based R&B singer Blynk, as well as producers and sound engineers Jamal, Yoann Grégoire, Freakey!, High Klassified, Hypnotic Beatz, and Melowithdaheat. The track, set to be released on Friday, October 3, was created in real time, with lyrics written and recorded on the fly. Fans around the world were able to follow the event on Damso.com, and several clips quickly circulated on social media.
« BYH2 » Live Recording in MontrealPhoto : Alexis Belhumeur
When asked why he chose Montreal to record BYH2, Damso told Billboard Canada: “It’s the atmosphere, the kindness of the people. I’ve always felt very welcome here.” His words reflect the special connection he has with the city and its audience, going far beyond a simple concert.
For Blynk, the experience was unforgettable. “Damso’s team reached out to us 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,” the singer recalls.
Alongside Damso and Blynk, the beatmakers composed and recorded a track in real time in front of the audience, revealing every step of the creative process.
Damso explains: “Many people ask me what BYH2 is. It’s simple: I want to create songs with passionate artists I admire who aren’t necessarily well known, and shine a light on them by including their songs on the album. With this project, I really want to reconnect with the essence of what made me fall in love with music: sharing and passion.”
Blynk And Damso at « BYH2 » Live Recording in MontrealPhoto : Alexis Belhumeur
