Whether in a hipster metropolis or a small-town record store, the name Bongo Joe makes eyes light up and ears perk up. Founded in Geneva in 2013 as a record shop, café, and concert venue, the label Bongo Joe Records (aka Les Disques Bongo Joe) followed in 2015, bringing forgotten musical treasures and underground sounds to light.

Acts like Altın Gün, L’Eclair, and Yin Yin are now well-known, and with over 100 releases, the label has made its mark worldwide. But how did Bongo Joe get started—and how does it continue to thrive amid banking offices and global politics? What role does the notorious argumentative spirit of Geneva’s residents play? And what wild stories have emerged from over ten years of label history? Founder and musician Cyril Yeterian shares insights in a talk with Valérie Wacker.

This conference will be held in French with simultaneous translation into German.

Two Bongo Joe acts will also perform on the same evening of the festival at Moods: Sami Galbi (Demotape Clinic winner 2024, performing as a trio for the first time!) & Baby Berserk