For a gospel singer, breath is more than just a biological necessity; it is the primary instrument, the vehicle for spirit, and the extremely essence of the music. But for Alexandro Attelly, the act of breathing has become a conscious, daily negotiation. At 75, the Paris-born musician and former educator has spent the last year facing a diagnosis that strikes at the heart of his vocation: pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare, incurable disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue, which thickens the alveolar walls and prevents oxygen from efficiently entering the bloodstream. In France, approximately 6,000 people live with the condition. For Attelly, the diagnosis arrived in 2023 with a stark five-year prognosis. Yet, in true gospel fashion, he is choosing to meet the silence of the disease with one final, resonant chord.
On Friday, May 22, Attelly will take the stage at the auditorium in Cahors for a charity concert titled “Alexandro fait son Nougaro.” It is designed as a homecoming and a farewell—a tribute to Claude Nougaro, the jazz-influenced French icon who first ignited Attelly’s passion for performance six decades ago. Accompanied by a jazz ensemble from the local music school, Attelly is turning his final public appearance into a fundraiser for UNICEF and the Association Fibroses Pulmonaires France.
A Life Defined by Rhythm and Resistance
Attelly’s journey to the Lot region of southwestern France began in the vibrant, eclectic atmosphere of Pigalle, Paris. Growing up in a neighborhood known for its musicians, he was exposed to a kaleidoscope of sounds, from the traditional musette of the streets to the avant-garde. His connection to the African Diaspora and the spirituals of the American South was fostered by a great-uncle, a GI who sent records across the Atlantic. These recordings of gospel and negro-spirituals resonated deeply with Attelly, who is of Martinican descent.
The trajectory of his life shifted permanently at age 14 in Gennevilliers, where he witnessed a performance by Claude Nougaro. Attelly recalls the image of Nougaro charging onto the stage “like a bull,” a force of nature blending poetry, jazz, and a raw, physical energy. That encounter didn’t just introduce him to a new style of music; it provided a blueprint for how to inhabit a stage with authenticity and power.
While Attelly pursued a career as a primary school teacher—a choice he describes as necessary for survival but fueled by a genuine love for pedagogy—music remained his spiritual anchor. After moving to the Lot nearly thirty years ago, he began applying his teaching skills to the arts, founding choirs in Gigouzac, Gourdon, and eventually Cahors. His approach was revolutionary for the local scene: he prioritized oral tradition over sheet music.
“The people discovered that music learned orally was accessible and put everyone on an equal footing,” Attelly explains. “The only thing that mattered was giving sound and putting intention behind it.”
The Intersection of Art and Adversity
Through his choir, Gospel F(or)ever, and the creation of the Cahors Gospel Festival, Attelly sought to decouple gospel from purely religious contexts, presenting it instead as a vehicle for humanism and resistance. The festival, strategically timed around May 10—the National Day of Memories of Slavery—became a cultural touchstone in the region, even attracting high-profile attendees such as former French Minister Christiane Taubira.
However, the physical demands of this legacy have collided with a fragile health history. Attelly’s lungs have long been a battlefield, having survived tuberculosis, multiple severe infections, and three separate bouts of Covid-19. The cumulative damage led to the excessive scarring that now defines his condition. Today, his daily life is a series of precautions: walking slower, sticking to flat terrain, and utilizing a portable respirator when necessary.
Despite the limitations, Attelly approaches his final concert with the discipline of an athlete. A former French weightlifting champion in 1973, he views the preparation for the May 22 show as a training regimen. “I am training like a sportsman,” he says with a smile. For Attelly, the concert is not merely a performance, but a “bet” against his own diagnosis—a way to prove that an incurable disease does not equal an immediate cessation of purpose.
Event Details: “Alexandro fait son Nougaro”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, May 22, at 9:00 PM |
| Location | Auditorium of Cahors, France |
| Beneficiaries | UNICEF & Association Fibroses Pulmonaires France |
| Ticket Pricing | 15€ / 11€ |
| Booking | Official Weezevent Link |
The Legacy of the Final Note
The upcoming performance represents a full circle for Attelly. By paying homage to Nougaro, he returns to the spark that started his journey, while using the gospel tradition to leave a lasting impact on the community he helped build in the Lot. The choice of beneficiaries reflects his lifelong commitment to both global humanitarianism and the specific struggle of those fighting for every breath.
For those in the Occitanie region, the concert is more than a musical event; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Attelly’s insistence on mounting the stage, despite the portable respirator and the thinning oxygen, serves as a living example of the “resistance” he spent years teaching through gospel music.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. For information regarding pulmonary fibrosis, please consult a healthcare professional or visit the Association Fibroses Pulmonaires France.
The community in Cahors now looks toward May 22, marking the final scheduled public appearance for a man who spent his life ensuring that others found their voice. Following the concert, Attelly intends to focus on his health and the continued support of the pulmonary fibrosis community.
Do you have a story about the power of music in the face of adversity? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this article to support pulmonary fibrosis awareness.
