MASA 2026 highlights urban cultural revival in Abidjan through choreography
Original framing: “At MASA 2026, a choreographer's tribute to Abidjan's urban culture” — Africa News
Abidjan's urban culture has long been shaped by its role as a colonial administrative and commercial hub. The 2026 MASA event echoes the post-colonial cultural renaissance of the 1960s, when Côte d'Ivoire sought to assert its national identity through the arts. This historical context is crucial for understanding the current revival.
The MASA 2026 event in Abidjan is more than a celebration of urban culture—it is a microcosm of the broader socio-political and cultural dynamics at play in post-conflict Côte d'Ivoire.
By integrating indigenous dance traditions, historical memory, and cross-cultural exchange, the festival has the potential to become a model for inclusive cultural development. However, its impact will be limited unless it actively includes marginalized voices and is embedded within a long-term strategy for urban regeneration. Drawing on historical precedents from other African cities, such as Dakar and Lagos, Abidjan can leverage its cultural assets to foster social cohesion and economic resilience. To achieve this, participatory governance, investment in youth and rural cultural sectors, and a commitment to decolonizing cultural narratives are essential.