End of artist Maras' residency at the University of Montpellier on the three Nîmes campuses

[Press release] - Published on March 22, 2023 in Press Room

Since October 2022, and for the first time on the Nîmes campuses, slam rapper and poet Mathias Montoya, alias Maras (world freestyle rap vice-champion), has been artist-in-residence at the IUT, the Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Medicine. The aim of this residency is to create links and closeness between students, as well as between the Nîmes sites of the University of Montpellier. On April 3, 4, and 18, the rapper will perform on the three campuses in Nîmes to mark the end of his residency, entitled "Cordes invisibles" (Invisible Strings).

Maras in residence

Throughout the academic year, the artist participated weekly in multiple courses and various sharing sessions, establishing a strong bond of trust with students at the University of Montpellier's Nîmes campuses. In addition to his improvisations, he led writing and public speaking workshops over several months. He created pieces, texts, and performances based on his encounters with members of the university community.

Three highlights in April: concert, open mic poetry night, and compliment battles

• Concert by Maras accompanied by beatboxer Alexinho

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine, Lecture Hall 3, Nîmes Carémeau Campus, 186 chemin du Carreau de Lanes, 30900 Nîmes

This is the highlight of the residency! Following his immersion in the various campuses as part of his residency, Maras, accompanied by Alexinho, world beatbox champion, invites us on a journey through rap, beatbox, and poetry. JAM, the Faculty of Medicine's student music association, will perform during the first half of the concert.

• Open poetry stage: Rue des éloges

Monday, April 3, 2023,from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Faculty of Education in Nîmes, Cafeteria Courtyard – 62 rue Vincent Faïta, 30000 Nîmes

With the participation of several artists, Maras offers an open stage dedicated to praising others. Beginner and experienced artists share a poem expressing their source of inspiration.

• Compliment battles: Your mother is the best

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the IUT in Nîmes, Concrete Hall, Civil Engineering, 8 rue Jules Raimu, 30900 Nîmes

This date is reserved for the university community and their guests.

Maras invites artists from all over France, from the worlds of theater, slam poetry, and rap, to compete in a battle according to the rules of the art... but with the highest possible compliments.

Participating artists: Wojtek (Rap Contenders Champion), Aladoum (Rap Contenders Champion), 2Taf, Oliver Twist, Nico K, Njoy, Strab, Mathurin des Cotes du Nord.

Free events open to all upon registration, subject to availability.

With the support of DRAC Occitanie and in partnership with Paloma, contemporary music venue in Nîmes metropolitan area.