Monté la riviè


"Monté la riviè" is a song recorded and composed by Martinique-born singer Kali, with lyrics in Antillean Creole and French by Remy Bellenchombre. The song was France's entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 1992.

Lyrics and composition

The song deals with the suggestion that the listener "go up the river", which is ultimately shown to be a metaphor as the river is "the river of love, the river of life" and the listener is told that "One day you'll see the source of the river". Thus, the lyrics deal with the need to find peace and love in the modern world.
The music, composed by the performer Kali, is often described as being inspired by the sounds of Haiti, however it also makes a nod to the synthesiser sounds increasingly popular at the Eurovision Song Contest at the time.

Eurovision Song Contest

The song represented France at the 1992 edition of the contest. Performed at the contest in Antillean Creole and French, the song provided the first occasion on which France's entry was not sung almost entirely in French, and the only time that Antillean Creole was featured in the contest.
It was performed sixth at the contest. At the close of voting, it had received 73 points, placing eighth in a field of 23.
The song was succeeded as French representative at the 1993 Contest by Patrick Fiori with "Mama Corsica".