American superstar Nicki Minaj used the talent of Quebecer Gab Robert for her world tour Pink Friday 2; The dancer and her husband Dez Soliven have choreographed two numbers for this new concert series taking place in Montreal this spring.
“I'm still in a bit of shock! In high school I choreographed Nicki Minaj songs, and today she chose us for her tour. “It’s still crazy,” Gab Robert breathes on the line.
The 29-year-old Quebecer, who has lived in Los Angeles since 2017, is still used to working with renowned stars; In the past he has collaborated with Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Karol G, Drake and other Kanye Wests of the world. It was also the reputation of Gab Robert and her partner – American Dez Soliven – that caught the attention of Nicki Minaj's team.
The two dancers recently joined forces and formed their own company Deux jeux (DxG).
Dez Soliven and Gab Robert Photo provided by Gab Robert
In a few hours
During the holidays, Cat Rendic – chief choreographer of the Pink Friday 2 tour – contacted them through their respective social networks. The duo then had just a few hours to develop choreography to present to Nicki Minaj's team for this tour, which begins March 1 in Oakland, California.
The piece chosen by the two choreographers: Forward by Trini, taken from the singer's latest album.
“My husband is from Hawaii, so we were able to draw inspiration from his heritage, which fit well with the tropical sounds of the song. “A few days later, we heard that Nicki Minaj really liked our work, so they entrusted us with the choreography for her favorite song, Chun-Li,” explains Gab Robert.
His work on stage in Montreal
A few weeks before the start of the Pink Friday 2 world tour, Gab Robert and Dez Soliven's work with the American singer has already been completed. But the Quebecer knows very well that the real consecration will take place on April 17, the day Nicki Minaj will perform at the Bell Center in Montreal.
“This is the first time that such a large project that I have worked on has been stopped in Quebec. Knowing that my family and friends can see what I've created…that's really special. And besides, it's Nicki Minaj! For me there are three queens: Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna,” he says.
Since he's already collaborated with Rihanna, all he needs to do now is get Beyoncé's attention – but not right away.
“I know she’s going to release a country album and that’s less my style. But next time my phone will be open,” says Gab Robert, laughing.
- The Pink Friday 2 tour stops at the Bell Center in Montreal on April 17th.