Quebec culture was significantly influenced by MusiquePlus long before social media algorithms suggested music choices. Remember the iconic glass studio at Ste-Catherine and Bleury in Montreal? It was a hub of activity with enthusiastic fans outside, VJs on your TV screen, and music videos that shaped your CD collection. Nostalgia alert: The once-popular TV channel is making a comeback in a new form as an influencer on TikTok.
In its first video announcement on TikTok, MusiquePlus stated, “New generation, same DNA,” as it partners with the app for its relaunch. Following in the footsteps of MuchMusic, which found success on TikTok in 2021 with over five million followers, MusiquePlus aims to spotlight music, culture, and entertainment, emphasizing Quebec’s creative voices.
Originally launched in 1986, MusiquePlus served as a platform for emerging local artists, propelling stars like Véronique Cloutier, Geneviève Borne, and Claude Rajotte to fame. The channel showcased significant moments like Celine Dion’s English language album debut in 1990. Despite being replaced by Elle Fictions in 2019, MusiquePlus remains a cherished memory for many, prompting its revival to celebrate local talent and culture.
TikTok’s influence in the music industry played a pivotal role in selecting the platform for MusiquePlus’s return. Canadian artists such as Tate McRae and the Beaches gained prominence through viral TikTok moments, showcasing the app’s power in music discovery and promotion.
The content for MusiquePlus’s revival is being crafted by Quebec-based production companies, Attraction and Motion Entertainment, in collaboration with Remstar. The new VJs, aged 20 to 35, will be introduced upon the page’s launch on June 11. These hosts, who have a strong social media presence, including TikTok, will bring a fresh perspective to MusiquePlus, merging nostalgia with contemporary cultural interests.
