Since its inception in 2008, the Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo (FEMUA) has been a key gathering for urban rhythm lovers in Côte d’Ivoire. This year, from April 15 to 20, it once again delivered five days of free concerts.
Staying true to its original mission, FEMUA successfully balanced strong local roots with a continental outlook, honoring Guinea as this year’s guest country, and focused on both artistic influence and civic commitment through the theme of road safety.
Global Stars and Local Rising Talents
Featuring over one hundred artists from around twenty countries across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, FEMUA offered an eclectic yet coherent lineup, showcasing both international icons and promising new voices.
Rap took center stage, headlined by Franco-Ivorian icon Kaaris, who had been eagerly awaited since his last appearance in 2019 and believes that “the future of rap lies in Africa.” Another highlight was Himra, a rising star in Ivorian rap whose fame skyrocketed in 2024. He thrilled the local crowd with a high-energy performance. Though less known to the Ivorian public, young Burkinabè artist Smarty also managed to win over the crowd with a powerful and socially committed musical message.
Other genres also made their mark. Legendary Beninese artist Angélique Kidjo, a multiple award winner, delivered a masterful set praised for her vocal power and commanding stage presence. The festival also spotlighted Bissau-Guinean singer Eneida Marta, who blends West African Lusophone traditions with urban influences in a unique hybrid style. Nicknamed the “Baoulé superstar,” Lil Jay Bingerack dazzled with his distinctive sound, reinventing zouglou and afro-pop through electro production and catchy melodies.
Guinea in the Spotlight
As guest of honor for this edition, Guinea brought a delegation of over 250 artists and creators to showcase its rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary scene.
Leading the delegation, reggae artist Takana Zio delivered a soulful and powerful set on the main stage, earning praise as a leading figure in African reggae. The “Guinea Night” event also highlighted the intense voice of Queen Rima and the promising flow of young rapper Thiird.
This evening dedicated to Guinean creativity was also enlivened by the sketches of comedian-storyteller Bappa Oumar Baldé, who blended satire and oral traditions to offer a fresh perspective on Guinea, as well as the tales of traditional storyteller Petit Tonton. The presence of Guinean artisans, designers, and filmmakers further enriched this cultural showcase through high-quality exhibitions and screenings.
A Festival with Impact
While the festive atmosphere was unmistakable, FEMUA continues to assert its deep social commitment. Driven by the vision of its founder A’Salfo, leader of the group Magic System, the festival embraces its role as a “catalyst for social development.”
Each year, FEMUA rallies communities—especially the youth—around pressing societal issues. In 2025, the spotlight was on road safety, a major concern for Africa, which accounts for 20% of global traffic accidents despite having just 3% of the world’s vehicle fleet. Awareness campaigns were held in schools, and 1,000 discounted driving permits were distributed to boost prevention.
Meanwhile, FEMUA’s long-term social work continues. Four new schools were announced alongside the launch of the new “EPP Magic System” project. To date, the festival has facilitated the construction of twelve primary schools, a health center, and a shelter for orphans, while enabling the education of 12,000 children through scholarships and educational infrastructure.
This enduring social and community engagement, combined with the free access to concerts, makes FEMUA a truly unique force in Africa’s cultural landscape—a grand celebration with a deep and lasting impact on development.
