Written by: Qusay Ahmed

The Massa Festival returned in its 2026 edition to confirm its status as the largest performing arts market in the African continent, as it was hosted by the city of Abidjan, amidst a remarkable public attendance and wide participation from artists and creators from all over Africa and the world.

Massa Festival in Ivory Coast

The Palace of Culture in Abidjan hosted hundreds of artistic performances ranging from theater, storytelling, contemporary dance, music, and street art, providing a rich cultural experience for audiences of all ages, in a scene that reflects the vitality and diversity of African creativity.

Among the most notable performances that caught the eye this year was the play (On descend à la Rue Princesse) presented by Ivorian choreographer Massidi Adiatou, which came as a vibrant tribute to Rue Princesse, one of the most famous landmarks of urban culture in Abidjan, which disappeared in 2012.

The 90-minute performance evokes the atmosphere of this famous street, which served as a launching pad for numerous artists, including Adiyatu herself, who began her career as a street dancer in the working-class Yopogun neighborhood. Around 20 dancers delivered a vibrant and energetic show, supported by striking carnival costumes and captivating visuals that reshaped the memory of the place with a futuristic artistic vision.

Artist Kwasi Kofi also embodied the handsome boy character inspired by the street atmosphere, emphasizing that the work presents an imaginative vision of what Row Princes Street might look like by 2030, in a blend of heritage and modernity.

Karel Tendjo also shone in the role of a waitress, delivering a performance that reflects the spirit of the Coppé d'Écalet dance, which is based on spreading joy and positive energy, amid great interaction from the audience.

The festival's activities were not limited to official halls, but extended to a number of neighborhoods in Abidjan, which enhanced the involvement of the local community in the event.

The audience expressed their admiration for the performances, noting their ability to blend different musical styles in an innovative way.

The festival is scheduled to continue until the end of the week, with the next edition set to return in 2028, amid expectations of greater momentum and cultural impact across the continent.