Les Afropéennes Festival 2026 opens in grand style

Lomé, Togo – The fourth edition of the Afropéennes Music Festival opened in grand style on Friday, February 20, at the Magic Mirrors Theatre in the Institut Français compound in Lomé, drawing music lovers into an evening of powerful cross-continental sounds and cultural celebration.

Set inside the circular theater—a striking space adorned with reflective panels that amplify both light and sound—the festival’s opening night offered a rich blend of African and European musical traditions. The ambience alone heightened anticipation, but the performers transformed the venue into a resonant chamber of emotion and rhythm.

Cape Verdean singer Lucibela opened the evening with a soul-stirring performance. Singing with remarkable depth and clarity, she captivated the packed auditorium. Her voice, at once tender and commanding, echoed beautifully against the mirrored walls.

Drawing on the repertoire of the late Cesária Évora, she paid homage to the legendary “Barefoot Diva” while seamlessly weaving in her own stylistic inflections. The result was a moving tribute that bridged generations of Cape Verdean music, leaving the audience spellbound.

The energy shifted with the entrance of Togolese artist Dieudonné Wila, whose performance pulsed with vitality. Alternating between rapid-fire rhythms and slower, contemplative melodies, Wila delivered songs that explored themes of life, hope, and peace. His set radiated optimism, underscored by tight Afrobeat arrangements that flowed effortlessly from the backline.

Visually impaired, Wila used the stage not only as a musical platform but also as a space for advocacy and inspiration. Between songs, he shared messages about resilience and social awareness. In a particularly stirring moment, five visually impaired dancers joined him onstage, transforming the performance into a celebration of inclusion and artistic excellence. Their synchronized movements drew thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.

From the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, Karba Jako closed the night with an electrifying set. The group filled the hall with layered electronic textures and hypnotic traditional percussion, creating a magnetic, almost trance-like atmosphere that had the crowd swaying to its earthy, feverish rhythms.

Launched in June 2023 by Togo Créatif, with support from the European Union and the Institut Français du Togo, Les Afropéennes has quickly become a major cultural fixture in Lomé, the Togolese capital.

Through free concerts and bold collaborations, the festival celebrates the shared musical heritage between Africa and Europe. This year’s edition highlights island cultures, underscoring their enduring influence on the African musical landscape.

Partners include the European Union, RFI, Institut Français, ASKY, Marché Moderne de Cacavéli-Agoé, CFAO, Loxea, Hit Radio, France 24, GNADOE, Fanga Music, and Hotel Ecole Lebene.  

By John Owoo (www.artsghana.net), Special correspondent in Lomé
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