The International Jazz à Ouaga festival is set to return to Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou, from November 27 to 29, 2026. The 33rd edition of the festival, themed "Jazz and African Roots," aims to highlight the historical links between jazz and African music. This year's event is expected to feature various African and Burkinabè artists, including Mamar Kassey from Niger, Vieux Farka Touré from Mali, and Burkinabè artists ATT, Sissao, and Audrey.
The festival's program was unveiled on November 12, 2026, during a press conference held by the new executive bureau of the Jazz à Ouaga Association. According to Arouna Savadogo, president of the association, the festival seeks to preserve its identity as a cultural gathering space for artists, the public, and different generations. The event also aims to promote musical diversity and reaffirm Africa's place in the history and future of jazz.
This year's edition marks a new chapter in the festival's history, following a pause in 2024. The organizers plan to use the festival to celebrate the diversity of African musical expressions and explore the connections between jazz and traditional African music. A conference titled "Jazz and African Roots: What is the Contribution of Local Music?" will be part of the event, examining the role of traditional sounds in contemporary jazz.
The festival will feature a range of artistic performances, with several African and Burkinabè talents set to take the stage. Lambert Barry, responsible for programming and communication, described the event as a "renaissance" for the festival. The public will have the opportunity to enjoy free access to all festival activities, which will take place at La Baguette du Faso Ouaga 2000.
The festival's theme, "Jazz and African Roots," reflects the organizers' desire to highlight the historical ties between jazz and African music. By exploring these connections, the event aims to promote a deeper understanding of the evolution of jazz and its African roots. The festival also seeks to provide a platform for African artists to showcase their talents and contribute to the genre's future.
The return of the Jazz à Ouaga festival is significant for Burkina Faso's cultural scene, as it provides a unique opportunity for music lovers to come together and celebrate African musical heritage. With a diverse lineup of artists and a range of activities, the festival promises to be an exciting event for attendees. The free admission policy is expected to attract a large audience from across the region.
As the festival approaches, anticipation is building among music fans in Burkina Faso and beyond. With its focus on African roots and jazz, the event is set to offer a unique and enriching experience for all who attend. The organizers' efforts to preserve the festival's identity and promote African musical diversity are expected to pay off, making the 33rd edition of Jazz à Ouaga a memorable one.
Key points
- The festival will feature free admission for all activities.
