MASA 2026 Serves as Professional Marketplace for African Performing Arts
The Marché des Arts et du Spectacle Africain (MASA) 2026 functioned as both a festival and professional marketplace throughout its week-long run. While public performances entertained audiences, the event's core purpose involved connecting artists, groups, and companies with industry professionals like producers and programmers. Significant emphasis was placed on professional training, covering artistic development alongside practical aspects such as budgeting, logistics, and communication. Musicians Blick Bassy, Karim Troussi, and Ruth Tafebe participated in an interview with Nathalie Amar on RFI. A dedicated children's area, MASA Fitini, offered recreational workshops introducing young attendees to African arts and culture, visited by Clémence Delfaure. The event concluded with a playlist featuring tracks from participating artists, including Ruth Tafebe's 'Croco Walk' and Blick Bassy's 'Woni' and 'Kaat'. The festival took place the week of April 16, 2026.
Key facts
- MASA 2026 ran for a week in April 2026.
- The event combined public festival performances with a professional marketplace.
- Artists and companies connected with producers and programmers.
- Professional training covered artistic and practical business skills.
- Musicians Blick Bassy, Karim Troussi, and Ruth Tafebe were interviewed on RFI.
- Clémence Delfaure visited the children's area, MASA Fitini.
- MASA Fitini offered workshops on African arts and culture for children.
- A playlist featured songs from artists like Ruth Tafebe and Blick Bassy.
Entities
Artists
- Blick Bassy
- Karim Troussi
- Ruth Tafebe
- Yode
- Siro
- Nathalie Amar
- Clémence Delfaure
Institutions
- Marché des Arts et du Spectacle Africain (MASA)
- RFI