YOUR BAAB OF OCTOBER 2025

OCTOBER 2025 #127

October with BAAB

We’re back !

After the special September edition, BAAB returns to its usual format with an October full of good deals and fresh discoveries. Abidjan never stops moving, and every month we’re amazed by all that’s going on : new restaurants, incredible nights out, a

thriving cultural scene, shows, concerts… Enough to once again fill the pages of your favorite magazine !

October also marks the launch of the Pink October campaign in support of the fight against breast cancer. On this occasion, BAAB is getting involved by highlighting events and initiatives happening in the capital, such as the Media Mobilization Days Against Breast Cancer on October 11 and the Pink Party on October 18. Needless to say… early detection can save lives. So talk about it, spread the word, and get involved. It matters !

Finally, October will also be marked by the presidential elections. In this context, our wish is simpl e: may this month be guided by peace and serenity.

Happy reading to all, and may your October be rich, active, supportive, and full of hope.

Managing Director and Publisher : Alice Andrieux

Editor-in-Chief : A. Kouadio

Editorial Secretary General : Gobou Y. F.

Editorial Manager : Anne-Claire Lecouls

Digital and Partnerships Manager : Sylvain Andrieux

Graphic Design Department Manager : Koimé N’Goran A.

Printing : Graphicolor

BACK TO THE TABLES

OCTOBER’S FOOD RECAP

Abidjan is buzzing — and so are its restaurants! The capital never stops surprising with new concepts, inventive menus, and places that make you want to linger. Over the past few months, several brand-new addresses have opened, enriching Abidjan’s already thriving culinary scene. BAAB has scouted out these gourmet gems for you: trendy restaurants, reinvented bistros, fusion cuisines, and décors that stand out. Plenty to expand your address book and spark your curiosity.

Now it’s your turn to step in, taste, and explore… because in Abidjan’s great restaurant family, these newcomers are just waiting to become your future favorites !

TALIER AKAN

Ivorian terroir cuisine

Open Monday to Saturday Riviera Les Jardins 07 12 52 52 52 talierakan

Must-try !

Puff pastry shell with escargot, grilled sea bass with tchongon milk emulsion, kokotcha and foufou, pork ribs with Korhogo honey, coconut and mango pearl.

We love : the friendly atmosphere and generous dishes, the blend of traditional and contemporary décor, the family table concept in the true Akan spirit of shared feasts, and the story behind each dish.

5 FOURCHETTES

World cuisine

Open Tuesday to Sunday Riviera 3, Senegal Embassy 05 85 92 07 07 5fourchettes.abidjan

Must-try !

Indian breakfast, Thai lemon soup, shrimp teppanyaki, Buffalone pizza, smash burger, tiramisu.

We love : the cozy décor with warm tones, the variety of culinary options, the wide choice of breakfast menus, and the careful presentation of dishes.

CARA

Latino-Asian dinners

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 p.m. 2 Plateaux, Av. Kablan Duncan 07 09 25 26 25 cara.abidjan

Must-try !

Inca Mystik cocktail, kilo of Tomahawk steak, New Zealand lamb chops with gochujang and herbs, grilled salmon with spices, matcha soufflé.

We love : the mix of mystery and elegance, signature cocktails, premium meats, and charcoal-grilled specialties.

BAABINES

VELVET

Asian & international cuisine

Open daily

Zone 4, Prima Center

05 02 23 32 32 velvet.ci

We love : the variety of Asian dishes, from traditional to modern, the live grills, and the warm welcome.

NAPPA KITCHEN

Authentic Italian cuisine

Open daily Marcory, Elite Club Abidjan 07 69 30 09 00 nappa.kitchen

We love : traditional Italian recipes, hand-crafted pizzas baked in a woodfired oven, fresh ingredients, and the delivery option.

Must-try !

Truffle fries, Nappa burrata, penne Alfredo, Rustica pizza, dolce rollato.

Must-try !

Laksa Lemak (Malaysian seafood curry with noodles, mushrooms, tofu), salmon ramen, cashew fried chicken, mochis.

MONA LISA

Festive restaurant

Open Wednesday to Sunday Riviera 3, Bd Arsène Usher Assouan 07 04 85 55 55 monalisa.abidjan

We love : the intimate, cozy setting, festive entertainment (music, dancers, DJs, singers), signature cocktails, and diverse menu.

LE SAYOUR

Seafood with a Lebanese touch

Open Tuesday to Sunday Zone 4, Rue P. Anuma 07 16 16 66 66 lesayour_abidjan

We love : authentic cuisine, wide selection of freshly caught fish and seafood, convivial atmosphere.

Must-try !

Mezze, Lebanese classics, seafood grills.

Must-try !

Chicken gyozas, prawn risotto, braised lamb shank, coconut-mango panna cotta.

CRAVING… A CLUB SANDWICH !

Behind this classic born in New York hotels (it’s said to have emerged in the late 19th century in private clubs) lies a little marvel of generosity. Three slices of toasted sandwich bread, two layers of filling you can vary endlessly, and that touch of mayonnaise binding it all together with delicious indulgence… in short, the club sandwich is pure comfort food !

Unlike street food sandwiches, the club has an aristocratic flair, served on a plate, carefully stacked and skewered with precision. It’s an art form ! Whether couturestyle in palace bars, cozy in tea rooms, or reinvented in fusion mode, it’s become a worldwide classic. In Abidjan too, it’s an essential snack, often devoured with golden fries and a fresh juice.

Here are our picks to sink your teeth into :

Vegetarian Club (cucumber, tomato, grilled veggies, olives) at Villa Verde Chicken Club with tomato, organic eggs, lettuce, fries at Bistrot Palmier M.B.A Club (crispy mozzarella, bacon, avocado, rye bread, lettuce, tomato) at Nougatine Katsusando Club (crispy breaded chicken) at In’Concept Store Mediterranean Club (chicken, feta, roasted peppers, arugula, guacamole) at Spot by Léna Salmon Club (smoked salmon, arugula, cream cheese, guacamole, lemon, avocado, capers) at Les 7 Tables

Its charm lies in its sophisticated simplicity : easy to eat, yet always with a chic, cosmopolitan touch.

FLAVORS OF THE CONTINENT ETHIOPIA : BETWEEN SPICES AND THE COFFEE RITUAL

On September 11, Ethiopia entered the year 2018 according to its unique calendar. This New Year, called Enkutatash, is one of the country’s most joyful celebrations - an opportunity for families to share generous meals and honor culinary traditions that form the richness of Ethiopian identity. BAAB takes you on a journey into this colorful, spicy, and ritual-filled cuisine — hoping to inspire you to discover it for yourself !

Ethiopian gastronomy is much more than a meal : it’s a cultural and sensory immersion.

The star of Ethiopian cuisine is injera. At once bread, plate, and utensil, this large spongy pancake made from teff with a slightly tangy flavor accompanies all dishes: doro wat, chicken stew simmered in a spicy berbere sauce (a powerful mix of chili, cardamom, and cinnamon) with onions ; misir wat, lentils flavored with chili and ginger; or tibs, sautéed meat with vegetables and spices. The more daring can try kitfo, raw or lightly seared minced beef seasoned with spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh).

WANT TO DISCOVER IT IN ABIDJAN?

Enjera. 2 Plateaux, av. Kablan Duncan 05 45 81 01 64

But the Ethiopian experience doesn’t end with food — it culminates in the coffee ceremony (bunna), a true art of living. Green coffee beans are roasted in a pan before the guests, then ground and brewed in a clay pot called a jebena. Coffee is served in three stages — abol (strong), tona (milder), and baraka (blessing) — each carrying symbolic meaning. A delightful detail: coffee is often enjoyed with popcorn or roasted corn kernels, a surprising pairing symbolizing conviviality and abundance.

FOOD TREND

AFRICAN

SUPERFOODS

ON THE MENU !

Long considered “traditional” products, fonio, baobab, and moringa are now making their mark as true superfoods. Rich in nutrients, sustainable, and full of flavor, they appeal to both creative chefs and lovers of healthy cuisine.

What if the continent’s treasures became the stars of our plates ? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Fonio, an ancestral grain from West Africa, is naturally gluten-free and packed with essential amino acids. Light and easy to digest, it makes a great alternative to rice or couscous, and works just as well in salads, risottos, or desserts.

Baobab, nicknamed the “tree of life,” offers a tangy pulp with citrus notes, rich in vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. It’s used to make refreshing juices, energizing smoothies, or original desserts.

As for moringa, this “super tree” is loaded with vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. Its

dried leaves, ground into powder, can be added to sauces, juices, or soups for a real nutritional boost.

In Abidjan, several spots highlight these three ingredients. Here are our suggestions. Now it’s your turn to try !

Must-tries :

• Fonio salad at Gioia, fonio risotto at Ayoka, Africafé’s Mamba Bowl, or Kokoma’s fonio cromesquis.

• Africafé’s Iced Moringa Latte, Kokoma’s vegetarian fonio and moringa couscous.

• Ayoka’s caramel–baobab fondant, Africafé’s baobab cream puffs, Kokoma’s baobab–vanilla mousse, or Sum Good Juice’s smoothie with apple, spinach, pineapple, baobab, mint, and ginger.

PIZZAS, YES… BUT IVORIAN STYLE !

Who doesn’t love pizza ? This universal dish is enjoyed all over the world, endlessly reinvented to suit tastes, cultures, and pizzaiolos’ creativity. From comforting classics to intriguing twists and the boldest creations, pizza is a limitless culinary playground. But have you ever tasted an Ivorian-style pizza ?

That’s the bold idea of two Abidjan eateries (La Louisette and Torti’Zza), who decided to remix the traditional recipe by incorporating two icons of Ivorian cuisine : alloco and attiéké.

Alloco—those irresistible fried plantains that brighten up so many shared meals—bring a surprising sweet-and-savory, caramelized touch to Torti’Zza’s pizzas, contrasting beautifully with melted cheese. Meanwhile, attiéké—the finely textured, delicately flavored cassava couscous—now serves as the base for La Louisette’s creations, adding freshness and texture.

These original yet proudly local culinary pairings may surprise at first bite but quickly win hearts with their balance and indulgence. A must-try… and who knows, you may come back for more !

Attiéké pizza or allocotopped pizza—an unexpected yet delicious encounter between Italy and Côte d’Ivoire ! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Where to taste:

La Louisette Corporation

Attiéké pizza

Zone 4, av. A. Sawadogo

Zone 4, Mall Z4

Koumassi, Gelty junction

07 00 00 81 82 lalouisette.fastfood

Torti’Zza

Alloco pizza (delivery only)

01 00 00 73 26 tortizza_pizza_alloco_babi

EVENINGS OF THE MONTH

It’s well known that Abidjan’s nightlife is always rich and lively. Afterworks, concerts, karaoke or parties... every week has its own events and parties. To make sure you don’t miss out on the best of Babi by night, here’s our “little diary” of weekly events. Enjoy it all night long !

ON STAGE

4 CONCERTS NOT TO MISS !

Looking to feel the thrill of live music ? This month, Abidjan is buzzing with must-see concerts. Here are 4 dates to mark in your calendar :

REGGAE

Kajeem

October 4, 2025 – Palais de la Culture 07 05 11 63 25

REGGAE UNDERGROUND

Steel Jah

October 11, 2025 – AZK Live 05 05 0027 63

Tonton Pal & Binguini Bakhaga

October 11, 2025 – Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire 07 57 94 43 07

AFROBEAT JAZZ

Big Band Eregni Jazz

October 17, 2025, 8 PM – Goethe Institut 25 22 00 88 99

FELA DAY 2025

ABIJAZZ HONORS THE AFROBEAT LEGEND

In Abidjan, Fela Day has become a highlight of the cultural season.

After a memorable 2024 edition, Fela Day returns on October 10, 2025 at the French Institute stage. An evening dedicated to the genius of Afrobeat, organized by the ABIJAZZ Association, inviting you to dance, feel, and celebrate the legacy of an eternal artist.

A towering figure of African music, Nigerian singer and saxophonist Fela Kuti left a lasting mark with his unique style blending wild rhythms, powerful messages, and political consciousness. He is considered the inventor of Afrobeat, a fusion of African American music (jazz, funk), West African rhythms, and his country’s traditional sounds.

His legacy continues to inspire generations worldwide. To celebrate his birthday week, Fela Day has been established across the globe. In Abidjan, ABIJAZZ will mark it on October 10, 2025, at IFCI with top Ivorian talents.

The evening kicks off with the dynamic band Eregni Jazz, whose energy blends Afrobeat, Afro-Jazz Fusion, and Highlife. Next, guest of honor Ruth Tafebe will perform alongside the Afrojazz Messenger, offering a powerful musical dialogue between instruments and her commanding voice. The night will close with a jam session, letting musicians and the public share improvisation and exchange in true jazz tradition.

For music lovers and African culture enthusiasts, Fela Day 2025 promises to be a major event—a festive, meaningful celebration mixing music, history, and conviviality.

IVOIRE JAZZ NIGHT

Tribute to Fela Kuti. October 10, 2025, at 8 PM.

Institut français de Côte d’Ivoire 07 88 65 60 76

COMEDY CLUBS

THE BEST SPOTS FOR LAUGHS IN ABIDJAN

Nothing beats a good laugh to shake off the week’s stress. And the timing couldn’t be better: Abidjan is now establishing itself as one of Francophone Africa’s comedy capitals. In a city where joy rules, comedy clubs are multiplying, offering intense evenings of stand-up, oneman shows, and improv, blending seasoned stars with rising talents.

Abidjan never sleeps… especially when it comes to laughter !

Comedians like Eddy, Nejy, Deperpignan, Le Magnific, Boukary, Joël, Jenny Sans Frein, Tozolo, Allguita, Brice Anoh, or Maître Zélé are part of the generation electrifying the stage. With verve and contagious energy, they tell stories of Ivorian daily life: endless traffic jams, the struggles of gbaka transport, social contradictions, or neighborhood scenes. The result: shows where all of Abidjan laughs at itself — biting satire mixed with affectionate humor.

As for venues, the Gondwana Comedy Club, hosted at the Pullman Hotel, is one of the most iconic, offering high-quality lineups in a chic, friendly setting. Palm Club Comedy and AV Comedy Club are equally vibrant, each with unique atmospheres that showcase comedy in all its forms.

So next time someone invites you to a comedy night, go for it: more than a show, it’s a shared experience where the city celebrates its comic genius with wit and authenticity.

Where to go :

GONDWANA COMEDY CLUB

Next dates : October 3, 2025, Pullman Hotel, Plateau. 05 04 00 66 66

PALM CLUB COMEDY

Next dates : October 10 & 24, 2025, Palm Club Hotel, Cocody 07 79 75 36 14

AV COMEDY CLUB

Next dates : October 3 & 17, 2025, Abidjan Village, Palmeraie. 07 67 17 31 21

LEHUBS THE DIGITAL

TICKETING PLATFORM

REVOLUTIONIZING EVENTS IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE !

No more endless lines, lost tickets, or fakes that ruin the fun! In Abidjan, a new era begins with LeHubs, the 100% local digital ticketing platform that puts a smile on organizers and audiences alike.

With LeHubs, buying a ticket is as easy as ordering a dabali on a delivery app ! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Simple, fast, efficient, secure

On LeHubs, you’ll find shows, concerts, parties, food events, festivals, workshops—in short, all the festive and cultural buzz of Babi! Just a few clicks to pick your event, pay via Mobile Money, card, or PayPal, and receive your ticket directly on your phone. No need to move :

your ticket is ready to be scanned on the day. Each LeHubs ticket comes with a unique, tamper-proof QR code. Result : no scams, no fraud—just pure fun! Payments use ultrasecuwre gateways, protecting your data and your cash.

More visibility and accessibility for organizers

LeHubs isn’t just practical for the public— it’s a blessing for event organizers. Online sales make events accessible worldwide, even from abroad. A concert in Abidjan ? Fans in Paris or Dakar can also book ! Add presales and special offers, and attendance skyrockets.

With real-time stats, sales tracking, automatic ticket sending, and promo tools for social media, LeHubs is a true dashboard for managing events like a pro. Less paperwork, more energy for what matters: thrilling the audience.

BAAB x LeHubs : a winning collab !

BAAB and LeHubs joined forces to boost efficiency for organizers by combining BAAB’s reach with LeHubs’ reliability. It’s crucial for users to trust digital ticketing and for event promoters to gain maximum visibility.

BAAB x LeHubs is more than digital ticketing. It’s a smooth, secure, connected experience that simplifies life for organizers and participants alike. If you love events—or organize them—it’s time to say goodbye to old-school methods and switch to BAAB x LeHubs mode.

GALLERY TOUR

OCTOBER EXHIBITIONS

« REALMS OF THE IMAGINARY »

Agroup show featuring the works of Béchir Boussandel, Dimitrios Tade, Aly Mazeh, Agnes Waruguru, and Alejandro Paris. Their practices fuse abstraction and figuration, inhabiting a space between the real and the imaginary to question dominant narratives and imagine new artistic worlds. Until October 24, 2025, at Farah Fakhri Gallery (Plateau).

I« SHADOW DANCER »

vorian artist Serge Olivier Gossé offers the public a pictorial journey where shadow and light intertwine, giving rise to an inner dance infused with the feminine presence. Until October 11, 2025, at Houkamy Guyzagn Gallery (Riviera 2).

« LA GRANDE HISTOIRE

DES ÉLÉPHANTS »

Neither a wildlife exhibition nor a football show! This is a history exhibition which, through soccer and the work of a team of 11 artists, tells the story of Côte d’Ivoire. Until November 23, 2025, at MuCAT (Abobo).

T« L’AUTRE NAISSANCE »

he works of Beninese artist Kézé blend elements of figurative and abstract art to reflect the complexities of reality and human thought. On view until October 24, 2025, at Onomo Hotel Abidjan Airport.

« IMPACT FRAME »

Acollective exhibition dedicated to illustration, comics, and animation in Côte d’Ivoire. Its aim is to highlight artists whose work stands out for its quality and originality. Until October 18, 2025, at the Institut français (Plateau).

« DÔMSIS »

Artist Sess Essoh presents works that boldly combine forms and patterns with characters drawn from everyday life. The result is a sense of energy and a touch of imagination that invites reflection. Until the end of October 2025 at Eureka Gallery (Zone 4).

« FRAGMENTS D’ELLE (S) »

This exhibition brings together seven women artists whose unique worlds enter into dialogue around themes of identity, memory, and the plurality of the female gaze. Until October 30, 2025, at Hôtel Tiama (Plateau).

« LANIN OU RÉSILIENCE »

Through a new Plexiglas series, Yéanzi sensitively explores our world and our humanity. His work highlights fragments of our time — sometimes forgotten, sometimes unsuspected—to rekindle our capacity for wonder and nourish a more lucid and vibrant collective imagination. Until November 19, 2025, at La Maison de l’Art (Grand-Bassam).

Al Naim, “Insides out”, 2024

« TRAME & ÉCLAT »

In this group show, seven artists from Africa and the diaspora (Dar Al Naim, Wanger Ayu, Oumar Ball, Ange Dakouo, Obou Gbais, Klervie Mouho, and Prince Obasi) bring together paper, thread, metal, and fabric to assemble fragments, mend interrupted stories, and rekindle memory. Between artisanal gestures and contemporary inventions, their works weave the intimate and the collective, territory and exile. Until November 1, 2025, at LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery (Cocody).

« LE SEUIL DE NOS AZURS »

Thibaut Bouedjoro-Camus, Le songe de Catherine, 2022. Détrempe et huile sur toile, 200 x 250 x 3,5 cm. Courtesy of Galerie Cécile Fakhoury - Abidjan / Dakar / Paris.

Acollective exhibition featuring Thibaut Bouedjoro-Camus, Eva Diallo, Fanny Irina, Elladj Lincy Deloumeaux, Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien, Cheikh Ndiaye, and Kassou Seydou, exploring the encounter between the social and natural being. Azure—sky, air, or water—is declined as a symbol of serenity, hope, and purity, carrying values of sharing and solidarity. From October 9 to November 8, 2025, at Cécile Fakhoury Gallery (Cocody).

« LES BAPTISÉS »

This exhibition rises like a song of transmission, an ode to emergence, a vibrant tribute to those who grew up in Jacobleu’s studio and who now stride brightly along the paths of art.

Ten artists, ten visions, ten voices (Amakan, Ankofa, Anvilo, Doudou B., Franckasso, G. Néa, Gnohité, Krefady, Odonko, and San Kwam) coming from across Côte d’Ivoire, embody several generations forged by passion, technique, and identity. Some are

already established figures, others dazzling promises. All bear a singular imprint, an affirmed approach, an aesthetic that demands attention.

Their works are stories, cries, prayers, and dreams. Each painting, sculpture, or graphic work invites us to feel, question, or understand forms that murmur, colors that whisper, and volumes that speak to our hearts.

From October 9 to November 9, 2025, at Jacobleu Art Gallery (2 Plateaux – Latrille).

LIVING MATERIALS, SHARED MEMORIES

5 ARTISTS IN DIALOGUE AT STUDER GALLERY

Allé Assi, Jonas Doubbin, Mamadou Ballo, Tsuyu Bridwell, and Raji Bamidele unite the diversity of their art in a shared story.

Since July 20, 2025, Studer Gallery has hosted a singular group exhibition that stands out by its stance: refusing the usual constraints of a themed show, letting the works speak for themselves. Here, the encounter itself is the subject. Bringing together five artists with contrasting paths becomes an artistic act in itself, a way of creating unpredictable resonances.

Three local artists anchor the project. Allé Assi works with pagnes, textiles laden with memory and history, which he assembles into vibrant compositions. His crowds, market scenes, and female figures reveal the vitality and resilience of urban communities. Jonas Doubbin, meanwhile, makes glass shards and fragments speak. In works like Introspection or Hidden Mystery, they reflect our addictions, fragilities, and excesses. Mamadou Ballo repurposes plastics, cardboard, and waste to sculpt full-bodied, confident women. His generous silhouettes, far from imposed beauty standards, become manifestos for a free, powerful, dignified body.

Alongside them, two international artists enrich this theatre of materials. JapanoKorean artist Tsuyu Bridwell, based in France, builds a universe suspended between delicacy and tension. She combines mulberry-fiber paper, nylon, plexiglass, and mohair wool into poetic installations where nature’s strength and fragility are played out. Nigerian artist Raji Bamidele grounds his Afrocontemprealist paintings in Yoruba thought. Woman appears as symbol, medium, and messenger, at the heart of a reflection on dualities: shadow and light, visible and invisible, belief and culture.

From this diversity arises an unexpected coherence. The exhibition does not merely juxtapose works: it creates a polyphony where each material becomes language. Textiles, glass, waste, natural fibers stand as metaphors of transformation and rebirth, evoking life cycles as well as the complexity of human relationships. A constant runs through all works: the presence of women. Whether as everyday heroines, spiritual figures, or sculptures manifesting regained freedom, women embody resilience and renewal.

Cocody galeriestuder GALERIE STUDER

FANON ANTINOMIES

THE HERITAGE EXHIBITION

FANON antinomies is an invitation to conversation — between past and present, theory and art, Africa and the world.

Until November 29, 2025, SOMETHING art space hosts FANON antinomies, a video and sound exhibition conceived by Anna-Alix Koffi and curated by Ange-Frédérique Koffi, with scholarly guidance from Dr. Frieda Ekotto, professor at the University of Michigan and international specialist on Fanon. This event marks the centenary of the birth of Frantz Fanon (1925–1961), a major figure of anti-colonial struggles and an essential thinker of liberation.

The exhibition starts from a bold intuition : to imagine a virtual dialogue between Fanon’s radical thought and Adrian Piper’s performative work The Mythic Being (1973–1975), in which the artist disguises herself as a Black man and recites her diaries. This founding dialogue becomes the starting point of a polyphonic journey, resonating Fanon’s critical thinking with contemporary creations.

Among the works on view :

• Louisa Babari (Corps à corps, Close Combat, Affects), interrogating the persistence of colonial traumas through text, voice, and image.

• …Or something else with Trilogue, a sound installation staging a dialogue between Fanon, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Bernard Dadié.

• Goddy Leye’s The Beautiful Beast, a meditation on colonial memory and monstrosity.

• Isaac Julien’s Frantz Fanon : Black Skin, White Mask (1996), a film-essay screened every Tuesday evening starting November 4.

Through videos, installations, and unpublished correspondences, FANON antinomies probes identity fractures, the weight of colonial history, and the subversive force of creation. Selected quotations from Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched of the Earth punctuate the journey, reminding us that Fanon’s analysis—centered on alienation and the necessity of rupture—remains burning with relevance.

The exhibition is not only about memory : it provokes reflection on the present. African and diasporic artists extend or displace Fanon’s questions, revealing that his theses resonate with contemporary debates around racism, cultural decolonization, and the Black Lives Matter movement, a central focus of Dr. Frieda Ekotto’s research.

FANON ANTINOMIES

Until November 29, 2025

SOMETHING art space. Cocody, Blockhauss something.art.space

GADA 2025

BACK FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL 5TH EDITION

Côte d’Ivoire is preparing to move to the rhythm of dance with the long-awaited return of the Grand Ateliers de la Danse (GADA). From November 7 to 9, 2025, Abidjan and Mondoukou will host this major event, now established as an essential reference on the African and international artistic scene. For this 5th edition, GADA promises a true celebration of creativity and diversity, bringing together artists from multiple horizons around one passion : dance.

Between city and seaside, GADA 2025 confirms its status as a flagship event for dance, helping to write a new chapter in Ivorian and African cultural history. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

GADA 2025

November 7–9, 2025

Institut français and Cocoteraie des Arts, Mondoukou 07 68 09 97 30 GADA Officiel

A vision led by Compagnie Mehansio

Created by choreographer Jean-Paul Mehansio, GADA finds its essence in promoting African contemporary, urban, and traditional dance while fostering intercultural dialogue. Founded in 2020, Compagnie Mehansio has quickly become a major artistic force in Côte d’Ivoire, combining performance with community engagement. It also created the Cocoteraie des Arts, a unique cultural space in Mondoukou by the sea, which will serve as the festival’s beating heart.

An international dimension

GADA 2025 aims more than ever to be a platform for encounters and exchanges. With more than 20,000 spectators expected, the festival seeks to highlight Ivorian cultural heritage while positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a cultural hub in West Africa. This edition will feature the exceptional presence of choreographer Josef Nadj’s company, presenting Full Moon, a group performance specially created for GADA. Other international figures like Marius Sawadogo, Aipeur Foundou, and Irie Bi Jean Ronsard will enrich the program.

A strong regional and local anchoring

GADA also celebrates neighboring scenes, with artists from Burkina Faso and Mali, such as Puissance Infime, a powerful duo blending tradition and modernity. Côte d’Ivoire will be widely represented with original works like Gynaites by Lala Landry’s group, exploring femininity and empowerment, or Le Palmier by Eloi Hortense and Para’elle Company, combining dance, music, and theater to reflect local social realities. Works by Roland Kahgui, Mathieu Karfou, and Compagnie Mehansio (Blagou, the House of Oath) will further enrich this dynamic program.

Between shows and workshops: a participatory festival

Beyond performances, GADA stands out for its desire to bring artists and audiences closer. Numerous dance workshops will allow participants to discover diverse

practices : traditional dance with Aminata, contemporary dance with Josef Nadj, coupédécalé with Wili HP of Karismatik Project, Afro peps dance with Dje Elisé, oriental dance with Alexia Groga, plus a singing workshop with Meme Gnonka. A way to make dance accessible to all, while showcasing the skills and know-how of seasoned artists.

IFCI MEDIA LIBRARY

A SPACE FOR ALL, YOUTH-ORIENTED

The IFCI media library is a place where every visitor can find material to learn, dream, and engage in dialogue.

MÉDIATHÈQUE DE L’IFCI

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. institutfrancais.ci

I n Abidjan, the media library of the Institut français de Côte d’Ivoire (IFCI) stands out as a must for culture lovers. More than just a documentation center, it is a true space of dissemination, encounter, and exchange, open to all generations. It reopens on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Don’t miss it !

Accessible through membership, the library offers a rich, ever-evolving documentary collection covering all fields of knowledge. Added to this are local and French press, specialized magazines, as well as access to numerous digital resources. Thanks to its multimedia space, it also offers users access to new cultural practices and digital innovation.

The media library plays a central role in promoting the French language. It houses a Learner’s Space with a documentary collection specifically designed to support the learning of French as a foreign language, in line with the Pôle français’s mission.

But this place is not only aimed at students and researchers. IFCI places particular emphasis on youth by offering a diversified, free, and accessible program. Writing workshops, collective readings, traditional and urban storytelling, literary cafés, and debates—all nourish the imagination of young people and give them keys to understanding the world. Students also benefit from public-speaking workshops that help strengthen their confidence and expression skills.

ARTIST FOCUS

C’KATCHA IN RESIDENCE AT IFCI

This month, the Institut français hosts Ivorian artist C’Katcha—poet, slammer, and actor— who takes over IFCI’s stage to continue his work on the performance Voyage

First presented at IFCI two years ago, the show continues its journey. As a theater teacher at INSAAC, C’Katcha combines pedagogy and creation, relying on an art he masters to perfection: slam. Considered a language of youth, it becomes for him a vehicle of transmission and a means to raise awareness among younger generations of the richness of their cultural identity.

Voyage is intended as a journey through Côte d’Ivoire and its multiple heritages. The show takes the audience on a living crossing of peoples, practices, dances, masks, names, languages, and alliances. C’Katcha thus seeks to highlight traditions sometimes neglected by the youth, restoring their relevance and strength.

At the heart of his work, a powerful symbol guides his creation: the Sankofa, an adinkra symbol depicted as a bird looking backward while moving forward. It illustrates the idea that one must draw lessons from the past to build the present and imagine the future.

C’Katcha makes slam resonate as a bridge between memory and future, inviting young people to reconnect with Côte d’Ivoire’s heritage.

Through this residency, C’Katcha invites young people to “go back in order to move forward” and reaffirm their bond with a culture that is constantly reinventing itself. A poetic and identity-driven project, deeply rooted in IFCI’s mission: to support creation and cultural transmission. institutfrancais.ci

Une assurance éducation + une assurance prévoyance

LE BEST-OFF DU MOIS

LES HISTOIRES IMPRO BAB’L

LA FABRIQUE CULTURELLE

IMPROVISATION

A fully improvised play where the audience’s imagination takes center stage, giving life to fascinating characters and improbable stories !

GONDWANA CLUB PULLMAN HÔTEL COMEDY SHOW

Abidjan’s very first comedy club, offering shows that mix the most famous comedians with the up-and-coming new scene.

October 3, 2025, at 9 PM Pullman Hôtel Abidjan 05 04 00 66 66

October 9, 2025, at 8 PM – La Fabrique Culturelle 07 07 88 90 08

GBÔRÔ NIGHTS - GOETHE INSTITUT

GAME NIGHT

Fun evenings dedicated to fans of video games and interactive entertainment: gaming tournaments, expert meet-ups, board games, party games, karaoke…

October 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM – Goethe Institut 25 22 00 88 99

CES SOLEILS ARDENTS - INSTITUT FRANÇAIS

LITERARY CAFÉ

Ces soleils ardents, debut novel by Nincemon Fallet, tells the story of two young students struggling with their pasts. It will be featured at the 237th Literary Café for a collective reading. Free entry – tea and coffee provided.

October 15, 2025, at 4 PM – Institut français

27 20 20 40 60

ALTE CLUB - INSTITUT FRANÇAIS

An evening dedicated to emerging artists shaping the future of Ivorian music. Exclusive live performances, sound explorations, and a closing DJ set : total immersion in the country’s alternative universe. A mustattend event to discover tomorrow’s voices and talents.

October 16, 2025, at 7 PM – Institut français

27 20 20 40 60

DE NOUVEAUX RÉCITS

IVOIRIENS - LA FABRIQUE CULTURELLE

De nouveaux récits ivoiriens is a film where citizens speak as if they were already living in 2050, in a transformed, sustainable, and supportive future. Their audiovisual testimonies become windows into possible and desirable futures.

October 17, 2025, at 7 PM – La Fabrique Culturelle 07 07 88 90 08

SPECIAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

PINK PARTY, DANCE FOR THE CAUSE

The Pink Party is back! This year, the famous dance party will be led by women—fitness amazons of Côte d’Ivoire—who fight every year against women’s cancers. Experts in Djembel, Djamboola, and Zumba will make you laugh, move, and dance to the beats of DJ Cap Nice. A donation box will be available, and funds will be given to the NGO Vie et Santé to cover treatment for underprivileged patients. A mobile medical unit from Vie et Santé–Côte d’Ivoire will be present from 2 PM to 6 PM for awareness workshops and free screening clinics. We can’t say it enough… it’s important !

October 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM , Sol Béni, Riviera M’Pouto. pinkpartybabi

MARCHE POUR ELLES

Every October, the NGO Echo Médias-MSSC (Mes Seins Sans Cancer), led by Leah Muriel Guigui, organizes the Media Mobilization Days Against Breast Cancer. For its 9th edition, a March for Her will kick off from Cocody, with a program including walking, fitness, dance, conferences, a miniconcert by the collective My Voice for Her, testimonies, and a fundraising drive. The event aims to promote supportive policies and programs in the fight against breast cancer, while raising public awareness about its dangers and prevention methods.

October 11, 2025, at 8 AM, Esplanade of Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire echomediasmssc

THE BLACK PHONE 2

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Since his abduction, Finney, now 17, struggles to return to a normal life, while nothing and no one can stop his 15-year-old sister Gwen. But the sinister phone begins to ring in Gwen’s dreams, where she repeatedly sees three boys being chased in a mountain camp called Alpine Lake. Determined to end these nightmares and uncover the mystery, Gwen convinces her brother to travel there despite the raging blizzard. That’s where she discovers the horrific truth behind the Grabber’s connection to their family. The siblings must face a killer made nearly invincible by death, their fates intertwined more than they could ever imagine.

BAAB reviews...

Fans of chills, rejoice ! After the worldwide success of The Black Phone in 2022 ($160 million at the box office), its long-awaited sequel arrives this October. Directed by Scott Derrickson, co-written with C. Robert Cargill, and produced by Jason Blum, The Black Phone 2 promises a darker and more unexpected plot.

Four years after escaping the Grabber, Finney (Mason Thames) tries to rebuild his life. But evil transcends death: the smiling-masked killer, played by Ethan Hawke, returns from beyond the grave seeking revenge. This time, he targets Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), the brave sister, who begins to receive disturbing visions. The film explores family trauma, the indestructible sibling bond, and the supernatural origins of the Grabber—all in a chilling winter setting. Get ready to shiver : The Black Phone 2 resurrects one of the scariest killers in modern cinema.

Premieres at Majestic theaters on October 17, 2025—just in time for Halloween.

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CINEMA AT IFCI

KIDNAPPING INC. by Bruno Mourral

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7 PM

MY FATHER’S SHADOW by Akinola Davies Jr.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7 PM

UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT by Jafar Panahi

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7 PM

SIRĀT by Oliver Laxe

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 7 PM

Plateau, av. Franchet d’Esperey 27 20 20 40 60 Institut Français de Côte d’Ivoire institutfrançais.ci

To find out dates and times subscribe to the IFCI WhatsApp channel on 07 08 81 06 68.

Admission : 3,000 FCFA ; reduced admission : 2,000 FCFA (library members, under-18s and students under-30s).

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SOLIDARITY SCHOOL KIT DRIVE

While many children returned to school with their backpacks filled with notebooks, pens, and books, sadly this isn’t the case for everyone. In Côte d’Ivoire, back-to-school costs remain a major barrier for many underprivileged families, depriving too many children of their right to education. Every October, associations and NGOs rally for the “School Kits” drive to provide concrete support for struggling families. Once again this year, BAAB joins the initiative to give children the tools they need to succeed.

With your generosity, we can make a difference. Thank you for your support !

DONNEURS D’ESPOIR

Collection of 250 school kits for students of Kononfla Public Primary School (Yakro–Sinfra axis). Kit price: 12,000 FCFA. Donations : 01 03 82 82 84 (Wave), 07 07 72 28 76 (Orange) ou 05 05 97 76 63 (MTN). Solid’Action

Until October 17, 2025 : collect notebooks, pens, books, backpacks, pencils, chalk, erasers, water bottles… or cash donations of 5,000 FCFA (to buy a complete kit) for students of public primary schools 1, 2, and 4 in Assouba. Orange Money : 07 47 97 11 23 ou Moov Africa : 01 41 09 62 59. donneursdespoir

A ticket for SIDA orphans

Solidarity drive for sick and vulnerable children. Donations of 2,000 or 5,000 FCFA, vouchers, school supplies, or food for the school canteen via WhatsApp 07 07 68 28 30. Enfant sans SIDA

Until October 15, 2025: drive to collect 100 backpacks, 100 pencil cases, and 100 school uniforms for students of EPP Touna (Séguéla).

Donations : 01 52 88 24 66. makesmileci.com

Hope for a better future

Fundraising (2,000 FCFA = 1 kit) for 200 students of EPP Sogefia 2 and rehabilitation of a school building.

Donations : 07 59 24 07 69 (Wave et OM) ureport_yopougon

For children who are victims of burns

Support for children burn victims. Collecting school kits, supplies, or cash donations. 07 77 04 67 66 (Wave et OM). Lékô e.V

BACK-TO-SPORTS SEASON

LET’S MOVE DIFFERENTLY!

October is here : schoolbags put away, planners filled, routines back in place… so why not also get back into sports? It’s the perfect time to re-enroll in your favorite activities or, even better, to dare to try new ones. Fitness, dance, team sports, gentle practices, or fun leisure activities : BAAB gives you a few ideas to refresh your routine and turn the season into a real burst of energy.

Ready to break the routine and try a sport that changes things up ?

Cheerleading

Brazilian Samba

Want to travel without leaving town ? Head to Brazil with samba! More than just a dance, it’s a true cardio workout. You’ll sweat, strengthen your legs and abs, all while having fun to fiery rhythms. The result : a more toned body and boosted energy like never before.

Practice at Studio BeYond Limit, Riviera Golf. 07 57 05 49 48.

It’s all about team spirit ! Between dynamic choreography, acrobatics, and pom-poms, cheerleading boosts confidence and energy. You’ll learn to push your limits as a group and shine together. Fédération Ivoirienne De Cheerleading Et Disciplines Associees Majorette.

A complete martial art from Japan, kudo is a mix of karate, judo, boxing, and selfdefense, introduced in Abidjan in June 2025. It’s intense, formative, and ultra-effective for both body and mind. For those who want discipline, strength, and self-mastery. Info via Kudo Daido Juku Cote D’ivoire.

Kangoo Jump

Spring shoes on, and you’re suddenly in superhero mode. Jumps, bounces, explosive cardio: Kangoo Jump is pure fun and calories burned. Plus, zero impact on joints. In short, it’s the perfect sport to let off steam without getting hurt. Adult and kids’ classes at Ladies Fitness, Marcory Résidentiel. 07 17 60 06 00.

Le yogalates

When yoga meets Pilates, you get… yogalates. A gentle but incredibly effective discipline. Stretch, breathe, strengthen. Perfect for those seeking a balance between zen attitude and toned muscles. Bonus : posture improves, tensions disappear. Practice at The Noor Concept, Zone 4. 07 00 00 00 99.

Aqua Flat

Imagine : a floating mat on the water, you on top, chaining planks, squats, and balance postures. Welcome to Aqua Flat! Playful yet intensive, this sport works all muscles in depth while protecting the joints. Ideal for those who want to sculpt without injuries. Practice at Core Fitness, Cocody. 07 20 66 66 66.

WORKSHOP OF THE MONTH NINON & AUGUSTE’S CERAMIC APÉRO

A moment of relaxation and conviviality, where creativity flourishes around an apéro !

In the company of the talented Ninon, ceramic artist, discover the world of faience painting during unique creative apéros in Abidjan. While sharing a drink and tapas with other participants, you’ll decorate pieces that Ninon has pre-shaped (plates, soap dishes, small bowls…) according to your mood and inspiration of the moment.

A beautiful way to unwind, meet new people, and leave with a unique and personal object — all while indulging! Firing and glazing of your creations will then be completed at the workshop the week following your session.

CERAMIC APÉRO

October 3, 2025 – October 17, 2025 –November 14, 2025 By registration only. Materials, firings, drinks, and tapas included.

07 00 15 60 72 ninonetauguste

About Ninon

A ceramicist and illustrator for over ten years, Ninon introduces both children and adults to the art of ceramics, combining modeling techniques and faience decoration. Under the name “Ninon et Auguste,” she creates unique pieces, both functional and decorative, where her illustrations come to life. Her motifs — often inspired by the animal world — are nourished by her childhood memories in Africa, the urban jungle of Paris, and a poetic imagination that makes each work one of a kind.

WANT TO… TAKE K-POP DANCE CLASSES

With razor-sharp choreographies, explosive energy, and ultra-colorful vibes, K-pop dance has conquered the world—and Abidjan is no exception! Whether you’re a fan of BTS, Blackpink, Seventeen, or Stray Kids, there’s always an iconic move to try, a TikTok challenge to take on, or a cover to post.

Ready to join the Korean flow and dance like your idols ?

K-pop dance is the heartbeat of the Korean wave: dynamic, precise, and hypersynchronized choreographies inspired by hip-hop, jazz-funk, contemporary dance, waacking, and house. Each group invents routines that blend power, fluidity, and a touch of theatricality. What makes people fall in love ? The iconic moves that are easy

to remember. We all remember Psy’s gallop in Gangnam Style, ITZY’s “shoulder dance,” BTS’s “Fire Dance,” or Blackpink’s “finger guns.”

Taking K-pop dance classes means diving into this universe : rehearsing in front of a mirror, learning step by step, improving together. No need to be a pro—K-pop dance is as much a workout as it is a party. It makes you sweat, trains your memory, and above all, connects you with a passionate community. Shall we start ?

Artkoya, 2 Plateaux, av. Kablan Duncan. artkoya225.com

Koumassi Primary School, av. Paul Akoto Yao. Sign-up via k_culture.ci

Art Academia, Riviera, cité Allabra. art_academia_abidjan

Mamma Mia Dance School, Zone 4, rue Abli Mathieu. Mamma mia

ACTIVITY TO DISCOVER LE MUNZ FLOOR®

This innovative concept was developed nearly 20 years ago by Alexandre Munz, a former danseur étoile of the Berlin Opera, trained at the Paris Opera Ballet School. Suffering from chronic pain, he healed himself through his own exercises before creating a method now widely recognized and awarded, adopted by the general public, athletes, and top-level dancers worldwide.

Munz Floor® is practiced on the floor, lying down, starting from age 16. The movements are slow, spiral, and fluid, without impact or strain. They strengthen cross-muscle chains, decompress vertebrae, and massage the body from within. At the heart of this approach: the fascia, that gelatinous membrane connecting and wrapping all our fibers, down to the cells. By stimulating it with “crumpling and un-crumpling” movements, the body naturally produces collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans— proteins with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects.

The benefits are many : relief of chronic pain (back, neck, hips), improved posture, flexibility, and muscle tone, plus an immediate sense of well-being and inner freedom.

Want to try ?

Artkoya Art Center, 2 Plateaux 07 07 45 61 29 artkoya225.com Studio classes every Wednesday at 7:15 PM More info : www.maisonmunz.com

It’s an invitation to rediscover your body differently—without forcing or violent stretching. A gentle yet powerful method that reconciles movement, health, and pleasure.

PARADISE GAME BATTLE 2025

ABIDJAN AT THE HEART OF THE TEKKEN WORLD TOUR

OnOctober 18–19, 2025, Côte d’Ivoire will host one of the most anticipated esports events in Africa: Paradise Game Battle, named for the second consecutive year as a “Master Event” of the Tekken World Tour. This prestigious title attracts the world’s best Tekken 8 players and offers qualifying points for the international grand finals. With $6,000 in cash prizes at stake, Abidjan is positioning itself as a must-stop on the competitive circuit

A showcase for Côte d’Ivoire and Africa

Organized by Paradise Game in partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment, the tournament confirms Abidjan’s central role in African esports. In 2024, the competition already gathered players from more than ten countries and generated nearly 429,000 views on YouTube. This year, thanks to its broadcast on the official Bandai Namco Esports channel — followed by over 100,000 viewers per tournament — visibility will be global. A major advantage for Ivorian youth and for partners attracted by a booming sector.

More than just a tournament

Since its creation in 2023, Paradise Game Battle has stood out as a 100% fighting game event, but it goes far beyond competition. The 2025

edition will feature a rich program: manga and cosplay shows, film marathons, workshops, exhibition stands, discoveries of the latest gaming innovations, and friendly meetups. October 18 will focus on the opening ceremony and group-stage matches, while the finals and awards ceremony will take place on October 19.

More than a tournament, Paradise Game Battle is a celebration of African creativity, passion, and dynamism — an international showcase that is writing a new chapter in the history of gaming in Côte d’Ivoire and Frenchspeaking Africa.

PARADISE GAME BATTLE 2025

October 18–19, 2025

Cosmos, Yopougon, Paradise Game Center 07 07 90 80 80 paradisegame_

GAME OVER X PATHÉ :

WHEN CINEMA BECOMES AN ADVENTURE !

In Abidjan, an unprecedented partnership is transforming the way cinema is experienced. Game Over Escape Rooms, a specialist in immersive escape games, is teaming up with Pathé Cinemas Côte d’Ivoire to offer a unique experience: plunging moviegoers into the world of films even before the screening begins. A first in West Africa, this format combines immersive entertainment with the big-screen outing.

Game Over X Pathé : You’ll never see movie nights the same way again !

The launch took place on September 19–20, 2025, with Demon Slayer – The Fortress, the adaptation of the hit manga Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotōge. Selected spectators were invited to arrive one hour before the screening and were divided into teams of eight. For 30 minutes, they followed a course through different areas of the cinema, solving puzzles inspired by the film’s universe. The experience included padlocked chests, maps, masks, and even a touch of augmented reality thanks to digital tablets. A hybrid format, halfway between a life-size escape game and an interactive adventure, which ended just before the film screening.

gameover_abidjan pathecapsudabidjan

Audience response was enthusiastic. With curiosity, energy, and surprise, spectators praised this groundbreaking initiative that redefines the cinema ritual. Many were already asking for more, while those who hadn’t been selected expressed their eagerness to join future editions.

For Pathé and Game Over, this first attempt is just the beginning! New scenarios will accompany upcoming blockbusters, with the same promise: to transform a simple movie night into a unique and memorable experience.

So stay tuned… because one thing is certain: you’re going to love it !

By Richard Ekra

ABISSA 2025

GRAND-BASSAM PREPARES TO CELEBRATE THE N’ZIMA NEW YEAR

Both a New Year, a people’s tribunal, and a mystical ritual, Abissa is the beating heart of N’Zima identity.

Beating drums, dazzling attire, public satire, and intoxicating dances: when the ripe seeds fall from the ancestral palm tree, Grand-Bassam transforms into a living theater for Abissa, the centuries-old festival of the N’Zima Kotoko people. From October 5 to 19, 2025, the coastal city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will vibrate in unison, blending spirituality, social critique, and popular celebration. Much more than a festival, Abissa is a moment of memory and rebirth that continues to fascinate far beyond Ivorian borders.

A founding legend

This traditional institution traces its origins to the Gnienda territory (Ahanta land), in the village of Aboade. During a great famine, a woman from the N’Vavilé clan made an extraordinary discovery: mysterious little beings dancing to the beat of an otherworldly drum. When consulted, the ancestors revealed that this dance was a gift from the forest spirits to help the N’Zima people ward off famine, suffering, and calamities.

Later, a healer named Kundum, struck with pride, was paralyzed. The spirit Afantchè, guardian of forgiveness, appeared to him and offered healing on the condition that he spread the dance of forgiveness. Thus Abissa became a collective heritage, introduced to N’Zima land by Aka Amichia, and endorsed by the King and his people. Despite migrations and colonial pressures, the community has preserved this heritage, celebrated today in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

A five-part ritual

The Abissa unfolds in five phases, but the most publicized are Siedou and Gouazo. Siedou marks a week of silence and reflection. The sacred drum Edo Ngbolè is retired, and strict taboos apply: no drum outings, no fetish rituals, no funerals. Any violation invites punishment from the spirit Afantchè. This suspended time is a call for introspection, honoring ancestors, and preparing for the great celebration.Then comes Gouazo, when the N’Zima gather every afternoon for a week in the sacred square to dance, sing, and deliver social critique. The France Quarter comes alive with laughter and color. The seven great N’Zima families (N’Djouaffou, Mafoulé, Ezohilé, Adahonlin, Azanhoulé, N’Vavilé, and Allonhôba) reaffirm their allegiance to the King with solemnity and joy. Royal processions, kaolin face paint, cross-dressing (men as women and vice versa, honoring the forest spirits), satirical songs, public critique, and reconciliations all animate the week.

Peace, protection, and cohesion at the heart of 2025

Abissa is also a unique space for social critique: sharp-tongued singers publicly call out past mistakes, stripping away illusions and demanding a better future. Satire here is an act of popular democracy, a tool for conflict resolution and strengthening social bonds. Tensions ease, reconciliations become possible, and peace takes root again.

The 2025 theme—“Abissa, a dance of peace, protection from calamities, and strengthening social cohesion”—resonates deeply, especially on the eve of presidential elections. It is a traditional call to silence discord and join hands around shared values in respectful, fraternal dialogue.

The values carried by Abissa are its lifeblood. To ensure its continuity, the N’Zima established the training center Kon Eyele Medan over 15 years ago. Here, children ages 6 to 17 learn the fundamentals of N’Zima culture, especially Abissa dance, handling of traditional instruments, and the art of satirical poetry.

Abissa 2025 key dates

Ritual phase : Siedou

October 5–11, 2025 : Silent period, retirement of the sacred drum Edo Ngbolè, taboos, and reflection.

Festive phase : Gouazo (October 12–19, 2025)

Sunday 12 : Opening of festivities, the King entrusts the sacred drum to the people. Everyone dances.

Monday 13 : Youth Day – collective dance open to all.

Tuesday 14 : Sacred Abissa Day – First outing of the King, royal ceremonies, dances, and social critique.

Wednesday 15 : Queen Mother’s Day – processions, dances, tributes.

Thursday 16 : Trades Day – meetings, photo exhibitions on Abissa, dances, social satire.

Friday 17 : Village Chiefs’ Day – rituals, allegiances, celebrations, dances, and critique.

Saturday 18 : Gouazo climax – second outing of the King, allegiance of the seven great families, dances, social critique.

Sunday 19 : Closing – farewell ceremony to the Abissa spirit, King’s purification, N’Zima New Year’s wishes, closing festivities in the streets of Grand-Bassam.

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