ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

MASA 2026 Festival Opens in Abidjan with Performances Across City Districts

festival-fair · 2026-04-14

The 14th edition of MASA, a biennial performing arts festival, has launched in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with events scheduled from April 12-16, 2026. The festival features diverse performances including concerts, dance, theater, circus, puppetry, slam poetry, and storytelling across multiple districts. Malian singer Ami Yerewolo performs at Palais de la Culture on April 13 and Yelam's on April 14. Ivoire Marionnette presents 'La boule bleue' at Palais de la Culture on April 12 and in Yopougon on April 15. The opening ceremony included a choreographed fresco by Georges Momboye performed by 400 dancers from the national ballet. Performances are happening in Yopougon, Koumassi, Abobo, and Treichville districts. RFI correspondent Abdoul Aziz Diallo covered the opening preparations. The festival connects traditional and contemporary creative forms.

Key facts

  • MASA 2026 is the 14th edition of the biennial performing arts festival
  • The festival runs from April 12-16, 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
  • Performances occur in Yopougon, Koumassi, Abobo, and Treichville districts
  • Malian singer Ami Yerewolo performs on April 13 and 14
  • Ivoire Marionnette presents 'La boule bleue' on April 12, 15, and 16
  • The opening ceremony featured 400 dancers from the national ballet
  • Georges Momboye choreographed the opening ceremony fresco
  • The festival includes concerts, dance, theater, circus, puppetry, slam, and storytelling

Entities

Artists

  • Ami Yerewolo
  • Badrissa Soro
  • Rachelle Goualy
  • Souleymane Koro
  • Georges Momboye
  • Abdoul Aziz Diallo
  • Nathalie Amar

Institutions

  • RFI
  • Ivoire Marionnette
  • Ballet National

Locations

  • Abidjan
  • Côte d'Ivoire
  • Yopougon
  • Koumassi
  • Abobo
  • Treichville
  • Palais de la Culture
  • Yelam's

Sources