By John Owoo
(Lomé -Togo)
Lomé, the capital of Togo, will once again become a crossroads of global sounds as Les Afropéennes Music Festival returns for its fourth edition from Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Organized under the Togo Creative program, the festival continues to strengthen cultural dialogue among Africa, Europe, and the wider diaspora. This year’s edition is themed “Islands, where music meets,” spotlighting island cultures as spaces for encounter, memory, and musical exchange.
Known for its curatorial approach to music programming, the festival offers audiences a journey across continents and archipelagos, linking African rhythms to island traditions shaped by migration and history.
The 2026 lineup brings together artists from Cape Verde, Portugal, Jamaica, Italy, Réunion, Guadeloupe, Madagascar, Cuba, Congo, France, and Hawaii, reflecting the festival’s commitment to diversity and cross-cultural dialogue.
Alongside international acts, the festival places strong emphasis on Togolese music. Artists such as Senzaa, Dieudonné Wila, Dogo from Togo, and The Alagaa Beat Band are set to perform, reaffirming the event’s role in supporting homegrown talent.
Emerging voices will also be featured, including Joachim Migos, a young composer whose live performance highlights the festival’s focus on mentorship and talent development. The Open Mic competition also returns, offering young freestylers a rare platform for exposure and professional growth.
The festival will unfold across two distinct venues, each offering a different atmosphere. An intimate opening night on February 20 will take place at the Magic Mirrors of the French Institute in Lomé, while the celebrations expand into the city on February 21 and 22 with open-air performances at the Cacavéli Market in Agoè, bringing music directly into everyday urban life.
Beyond live performances, Les Afropéennes extends into cinema and public engagement. In the lead-up to the festival, special screenings of the documentary Benda Bilili will be organized for schools, institutions, and the general public, underscoring the festival’s educational and social dimensions.
Supported by the European Union, Togo Creatif is a cultural platform dedicated to strengthening Togo’s creative industries through international collaboration, artistic exchange, and support for emerging talent. Through initiatives such as “Les Afropéennes,” the program continues to position Lomé as a key hub for contemporary cultural expression in the region.
