Scheduled from April 11 to 18, 2026, the Abidjan African Performing Arts Market (MASA) remains indisputably the largest cultural event on the continent, taking place in the presence of thousands of actors and personalities from the world of arts and culture.

With just days to go before the official opening of this major cultural event, there is a real buzz in Abidjan and its surroundings.

Under the theme "Performing Arts in Africa, a tool for economic and social integration", MASA 2026 has the Kingdom of Morocco as its guest of honor and Brazil as its special guest country.

In an interview with Seneweb from Abidjan, the director of MASA, Abdaramane Kamaté, looked back on the final stretch of the event and the major innovations of the 2026 edition.

With MASA just days away, can you tell us about the excitement surrounding the event?

With the opening of the Abidjan Performing Arts Market (MASA) just days away, there's a palpable sense of excitement in Abidjan. MASA is now one of the biggest performing arts events in Africa, and each edition generates high expectations.

This year again, we expect several hundred professionals from Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world: artists, programmers, producers, festival directors, and cultural operators. For a week, the city of Abidjan will pulsate to the rhythm of music, dance, theatre, comedy, and circus.

MASA is both a large popular festival and a professional platform that allows African artists to meet international markets.

From an artistic standpoint, what are the major innovations this year?

This edition brings several important innovations. First, we wanted to broaden our audience by creating a children's village, a space dedicated to younger children to introduce them to the performing arts at an early age. Second, we are setting up an innovation village, which will allow us to reflect on the impact of digital technology and new technologies on African cultural and creative industries.

Another highlight: a grand evening dedicated to the heritage dances and music of Africa, which will showcase the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage.

Finally, MASA will also host an international symposium on the theme "Performing Arts in Africa: Tools for Social and Economic Integration." This symposium will bring together policymakers, academics, experts, and artists to reflect on the contribution of the cultural sector to the continent's development.

Which major artists will be performing at MASA?

As with every edition, MASA will offer a rich and diverse program, blending major figures of the African music scene with emerging talents. Among the highly anticipated events, we will have Tiken Jah Fakoly, who will perform in a unique format accompanied by the Odienné Philharmonic Orchestra, an exceptional artistic encounter between reggae and symphonic music.

The public will also be able to see popular artists like Josey as well as many groups and companies from several African countries in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre and comedy.

MASA remains true to its mission: to showcase the talents of the continent while also promoting already recognized artists.

And what about the organization?

Organizing an event the size of the Abidjan Performing Arts Market requires several months of preparation and the collaboration of numerous institutions. We work in close coordination with public authorities, institutional partners, technical teams, and cultural operators to ensure a professional and secure event.

Everything is in place to ensure good technical quality of the shows, optimal reception of artists and professionals and smooth access for the public to the different festival sites.

Our ambition is to offer the public and professionals a MASA edition that lives up to the international reputation of this event.