MASA festival opens in Abidjan, celebrating African performing arts
via Lefaso.net2 min read
The 14th edition of the March茅 des arts et du spectacle d鈥橝bidjan MASA has commenced in Abidjan, C么te d'Ivoire. This event, dedicated to African arts and culture, brings together artists and professionals from various backgrounds. The launch featured a mix of artistic performances, including drums, choreography, and musical sounds. This year, Brazil and Morocco are honored nations, with Brazil's Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, expressing hopes for strengthened diplomatic ties. Both delegations presented cultural performances, with Brazil showcasing capoeira and Morocco featuring traditional drums. The program includes 1200 artists, 130 troupes, 300 professionals, and 300 shows from approximately 50 countries across Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, covering seven disciplines: circus and puppetry arts, storytelling, dance, humor, music, slam, and theater. Abdramane Kamat茅, MASA's Director General, stated that a key challenge is to "sustainably structure creative cultural industries and make MASA an essential strategic framework." He also aims to "offer a program of excellence with a demanding selection and enhanced support for both Ivorian and African artists." Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, highlighted the priority of this edition: "to train, professionalize, and provide young people with the necessary tools to invest in the digital space with the same rigor as the stage itself." MASA is introducing new act
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