Artist Maras Concludes His Residency at the University of Montpellier Across Its Three Nîmes Campuses

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

Since October 2022, and for the first time on the Nîmes campuses, slam artist, rapper, and poet Mathias Montoya—also known as Maras (runner-up in the World Freestyle Rap Championship)—has been an artist-in-residence at the IUT, the Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Medicine. The goal of this residency is to foster connections and a sense of community among students, as well as between the University of Montpellier’s Nîmes campuses. On April 3, 4, and 18, the rapper will perform on all three Nîmes campuses as part of his residency finale, titled “Cordes invisibles.”

Maras in Residence

Throughout the academic year, on a weekly basis, the artist was able to participate in numerous classes and various opportunities for interaction, thereby fostering a strong bond of trust with the students at the University of Montpellier’s Nîmes campuses. In addition to his improvisational performances, he led writing and public speaking workshops over the course of several months. Through these interactions with members of the university community, he created songs, texts, and performances.

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

• Concert by Maras, accompanied by beatboxer Alexinho

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine,Lecture Hall 3, Nîmes Carémeau Campus, 186 chemin du Carreau de Lanes, 30900 Nîmes

This is the highlight of the residency’s finale! Following his immersion on various campuses as part of his residency, Maras—joined by Alexinho, the world beatbox champion—invites us on a journey through rap, beatbox, and poetry. La 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 Nîmes School of Education, Cafeteria Courtyard – 62 rue Vincent Faïta, 30000 Nîmes

Featuring several artists, Maras presents an open mic event dedicated to celebrating others. Both emerging and established artists share a poem, expressing what inspires them.

• Compliment Battles: Your Mom's the Best

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

This event 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 face off according to the rules of battle… but with the biggest compliments possible.

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 everyone; registration is required, and space is limited.

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