Serge Aimé Coulibaly advocates for a pan-African artistic vision at MASA 2026

Burkinabe dancer and choreographer Serge Aimé Coulibaly articulated a pan-African vision for artistic creation during an interview with Lefaso.net, on the sidelines of the 14th edition of the Marché des arts africains et du spectacle d’Abidjan MASA. Coulibaly stated, "I consider myself African; I will not limit myself to the borders others have set for us," following the presentation of his successful show, "C’ la vie." This performance features artists of nearly seven different nationalities and offers a "satirical reading of our contemporary societies." The show explores the contradictions of a world he believes is "marked by individualism, personal interests, and repeated crises," bridging African traditions and current realities. Coulibaly also reflects on identity, noting that his dancers do not wear strictly traditional costumes. He explains, "Tradition is not the clothing; it is the action," emphasizing an approach rooted in the reality of today's African societies. Attending MASA, which he describes as an international meeting point, Coulibaly praised it as a space for creators to connect and share their work. However, he called for improved support for African artists, particularly regarding mobility, which he noted is still largely dependent on external funding.