Not Defeated By Angelique Francis Is A Soulful, Genre-Defying Anthem Of Resilience

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Angelique Francis’ Not Defeated is a soul-stirring, genre-bending triumph that blends blues, roots, and soul into a powerful anthem of resilience, showcasing her virtuosic multi-instrumentalism and electrifying collaborations with music legends.

Angelique Francis

Angelique Francis, the Ottawa-born multi-instrumentalist and JUNO Award winner, is redefining the boundaries of blues, roots, and soul with her third studio album, Not Defeated. This electrifying release, now available, is a testament to her unstoppable spirit, blending soul-stirring anthems, gospel-infused grooves, and fiery guitar solos into one of the most compelling Canadian albums of the year. With her mastery of upright bass, harmonica, keys, and cigar box guitar—often played simultaneously—Francis proves she’s not just a musician but a force of nature, propelling these genres into bold new territory.

Raised in a music-soaked household in Ottawa, Francis took to the stage at age seven and was performing at festivals by thirteen. By fourteen, she was sharing the spotlight with icons like Beth Hart and Shamekia Copeland, later joining legends such as Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, and Gary Clark Jr. Her sound channels the raw energy of Aretha Franklin’s keys, Willie Dixon’s bass, Big Mama Thornton’s harmonica, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s guitar, all woven together with her commanding voice. As a multi-instrumentalist, she carves her own path, captivating global audiences with performances that are as dynamic as they are heartfelt.

Following her 2023 JUNO win for Blues Album of the Year for Long River, Francis was named Performer of the Year by Folk Canada in 2024, earned multiple Canadian Blues Music Awards, and secured a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Song of the Year. Yet, her true strength lies in her ability to fuse joy and struggle into music that heals and inspires. For Francis, music is a tool for processing the world and envisioning a better one, with a mission to spread hope and uplift listeners during challenging times.

Not Defeated

Not Defeated is a powerful reflection of this ethos, serving as a rallying cry for resilience. The album’s title track, a soul-blues powerhouse, sets the tone, weaving stories of past, present, and future hardships with the inner strength to overcome them. Each song carries this theme, offering a tapestry of tales that range from sensual and introspective to playful and bold. The album, entirely composed of original tracks, showcases Francis’ signature style—a vibrant fusion of blues, roots, folk, soul, rock, gospel, Americana, funk, jazz, and classic R&B.

From the sultry vibes of “Sugarcane Jukejoint” to the funk-blues explosion of “Do That Work,” the record takes listeners on a journey through diverse moods and styles, balancing upbeat energy with profound intimacy. A standout track, “Escape,” featuring Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, delivers an electrifying spiritual punch. Francis’ raw, intense vocals intertwine with Ingram’s searing guitar, creating an uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to confront fears and forge their own light in dark times.

Another gem, “Watch Me Grow,” blends blues riffs, spoken-word poetry, and New Orleans horns, radiating swagger and determination as it celebrates collective growth and perseverance. The album also ignites with “Train Coming,” featuring Grammy nominee Eric Gales, a blues-rock juggernaut that symbolizes shedding burdens and charging toward a brighter future.

A Family Affair on Stage

Family is at the heart of Francis’ music, both literally and figuratively. Her band includes sisters Kharincia (sax), Kira (trombone), Kayla (vocals), and father Kiran (drums), alongside talented musicians Ed Lister (trumpet), Dave Williamson (electric guitar), and Andrew Knox (trumpet). For Francis, performing with her family is a dream come true, their music reflecting shared values of love and unity that resonate deeply with audiences.

A Whirlwind of Performances

Fresh off a summer of performances at festivals like Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival (USA), Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival (Quebec), Niagara Jazz Festival (Ontario), and Fort Langley Jazz Festival (British Columbia), Francis and her band are set to join the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise in September 2025, performing alongside blues giants like Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, and Little Feat from Seattle to Alaska. For Francis, every show feels like a homecoming, whether she’s playing in Toronto or Romania. Her fall tour includes stops at Massey Hall, the Prismatic Arts Festival in Halifax, and Aeolian Hall in London, with plans already in motion for a 2026 tour.

A Soundtrack for the Resilient

Not Defeated is more than an album—it’s a soundtrack for resilience, a beacon for anyone who’s faced setbacks and risen stronger. With this release, Angelique Francis solidifies her place as a trailblazer, delivering music that not only entertains but empowers, reminding us that hope can conquer even the toughest challenges.

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