Rencontres Musicales Africaines 2026 opens in Burkina Faso

The 9th edition of the Rencontres Musicales Africaines (REMA) commenced on October 21, 2026, at the Centre Culturel du Faso. This year’s theme, “Followers: from passive to active,” focuses on transforming the African musical ecosystem by converting digital audiences into economic drivers for professional development.

Michel Saba, representing the Minister of Culture, emphasized the need to establish music as a legitimate economic sector to provide opportunities for youth and support the emergence of Burkina Faso. Alif Naaba, the promoter of REMA, introduced several innovations for this edition, including a musical launch evening and an expanded two-day concert schedule.

Featured artists include Damo Fama, a Burkinabè singer-songwriter and composer. Following a three-month European tour and recent national awards, Fama is participating in the “Focus Burkina” segment of the event.