Field Report: MASA 2024, Abidjan, with Alex Boicel. Alex Boicel takes us to Abidjan’s MASA Festival via his videos and reporting. MASA, the Marche des Arts du Spectacle d’Abidjan is a sprawling, essential snapshot of the African arts landscape. Established in 1993, MASA is the premier “international organization for the promotion of African performing arts” on the continent. It is an emormous burst of energy with everything happening at once. Alex Boicel is there and is sharing highlights of the 8 day festival exclusively with Mondolocal.org.

VDA (Voix des Anges) are ‘Jim’ (Bah Diezon Nimcemon Vianney) and ‘Pitch’ (Kouko Koré Samuel). Zouglou vocalists from Cote d’Ivoire performing at MASA, Abidjan, April 16th 2024. video credit Alex Boicel

Zouglou is a form of music particular to Cote d’Ivoire that can be heard in the clubs of Deux Plateaux, coming from the back of the minibus returning from Grand Basaam or anywhere really,  that young Ivorians gather. Its the voice of the people, spontaneous lyrics, and observations can be heard passing between lead vocalist and chorus in a round robin format. Subject matter can range from catching a girl’s attention to commentary on social or political issues, often with a dash of humor.  The insightfulness of the words crowns the champion of these good natured clashes.

Nelida Karr from Equatorial Guinea has fashioned a unique sound featuring intense guitar playing, pinpoint precise chunky chords based on the rhythms found in her tiny West African country. With lightning quick motions her hands move over the frets of the guitar. She draws on local rhythms, from the Bubi ethnic group in particular. Once the rhythm is established her vocals build to soaring peaks of seemingly improvised skat-like vocal styling. She is heard in this clip with Cameroonian artist Mabel Fa.

Manambe Kanté of Guinee Conakry

Mary Anibal and her group including Tichaona Muchemwa, lead guitar and vocals; Abel Mafuleni, mbira, percussion and vocals; Exodus Chauke, keyboard and vocals; Simeon Diez (Cameroon) bass; and Malvern Cheremari, drums and vocals performed.

The biennial festival in Abidjan, April 13th-20th, showcased and marketed the work of hundreds of artists. Emerging artists in the music sector and established artists with new projects, selected by jury to perform for industry professionals and the public.