By John Owoo
Abidjan – Côte d’Ivoire
Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, has come alive with color, rhythm, and emotion as MASA 2026 officially opened, setting the stage for a weeklong celebration of African performing arts.
Indeed, the 14th edition of the Market for African Performing Arts launched on Saturday, April 12, with vibrant and compelling performances that highlighted the richness and diversity of the continent’s cultural identity.
Held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and attended by the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, the opening ceremony reaffirmed MASA’s standing as a key cultural event on Africa’s artistic calendar.
Undeniably, the festival has grown over the past several years into an essential platform for showcasing talent, fostering collaboration, and promoting the creative industries across the continent and beyond.
This year’s opening night showcased a strong international presence, with Morocco as the guest of honor and Brazil and Rwanda as special guest countries. Each delegation delivered performances that transported audiences through their distinct cultural landscapes.
From Morocco’s rich musical traditions and Brazil’s vibrant rhythms to Rwanda’s evocative artistic storytelling, the evening offered a dynamic fusion of global and African influences, captivating spectators at the Palais de la Culture.
One of the standout moments of the night came from the Ivorian National Ballet, whose performance energized the Grand Stage with precision. Guided by the legacy of renowned choreographer Georges Momboye, the troupe delivered a powerful, moving tribute to African choreographic heritage. Their performance blended traditional forms with contemporary expression, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Beyond the spectacle, MASA 2026 continues to embody its core mission: to bring together artists, professionals, and cultural stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora. The festival serves as a hub for exchange, networking, and dialogue, reinforcing the arts’ role as a driver of social cohesion and economic development.
As the festival unfolds, audiences can expect a rich program of dance, music, theater, and panel discussions that reflect the evolving landscape of African creativity. With a strong opening, MASA 2026 once again positions itself not only as a celebration of artistic excellence but also as a vital platform for the growth and integration of Africa’s cultural industries.
Photos – Courtesy of MASA
You are so lucky to have attended this celebration! Sounds very special.