Maras artist in residence at the University of Montpellier's three Nîmes sites

Since October 2022, and for the first time on Nîmes campuses, slammer-rapper and poet Mathias Montoya alias Maras (vice-champion of the world in freestyle rap) has been in artist residency at the IUT, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Medicine. The aim of this residency is to create links and proximity 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 Nîmes campuses to mark the end of his residency, entitled "Cordes invisibles".

Maras in residence

Over the course of the academic year, the artist worked on a weekly basis with a wide range of courses and shared experiences, establishing a strong bond of trust between students at the University of Montpellier and the Nîmes sites. In addition to his improvisations, he was able to lead writing and eloquence workshops for several months. He created songs, texts and performances based on his encounters with members of the university community.

Three highlights in April: concert, open poetry stage, and compliments battles

  • Concert by Maras accompanied by beatboxer Alexinho

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 7:30 pm to 10 pm at the Faculté de Médecine Montpellier-Nîmes,Amphi 3 Campus Nîmes Carémeau, 186 chemin du Carreau de Lanes, 30900 Nîmes

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

  • Open poetry stage: Rue des éloges

Monday April 3, 2023 from 12pm to 2pm at the Faculté d'Éducation de Nîmes, Cour de la cafétéria - 62 rue Vincent Faïta, 30000 Nîmes

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

  • Compliments Battles: Your best mother

Tuesday April 4, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm at IUT de Nîmes, Halle béton Génie Civil 8 rue Jules Raimu, 30900 Nîmes

This date is reserved for the university community and their accompanying persons.

Maras invites artists from all over France, with backgrounds in theater, slam and rap, to compete in the rules of the battle... but with the biggest compliments possible.

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

Free events open to all, subject to registration and space availability.

With the support of DRAC Occitanie and in partnership with Paloma, Scène de musiques actuelles de Nîmes métropole.

Practical information: