The Salon des industries musicales d'Afrique (Sima) is set to take place in Cotonou, Benin, on November 12-13. This major cultural event will feature Ivorian musician and businessman A'Salfo, whose real name is Salif Traoré. A'Salfo, the leader of the popular Ivorian music group Magic System, announced his participation on his official Facebook page. He will deliver a conference on the theme "African Music: From the Stage to the Power of Influence."
A'Salfo's music career spans over two decades, with Magic System being one of the most successful African music groups. The group was formed in 1996 and gained popularity in Benin with a concert at the Stade de l'Amitié Général Mathieu Kérékou. A'Salfo has also founded the Festival des musiques urbaines d'Anoumabo (Femua) and the Fondation Magic System, which focuses on education, health, and environmental initiatives.
In addition to his music career, A'Salfo has received numerous accolades for his humanitarian work. He was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by UNESCO in 2012 and became a member of the Conseil économique, social, environnemental et culturel (Cesec) of Côte d'Ivoire. A'Salfo has also pursued higher education, earning a Master's degree from HEC Paris.
The Sima event brings together key players in African music, and A'Salfo is one of the featured conference speakers. As the CEO of Gaou Production, he will discuss the role of artists in promoting cultural identities and Africa's global presence. A'Salfo expressed his excitement about the event, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the growing influence of African soft power.
A'Salfo's participation in Sima 2026 is seen as a significant moment for the African music industry. With his vast experience in music, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian work, he is well-positioned to share insights on the intersection of music and cultural influence. The event will take place at the Sofitel Cotonou, bringing together experts and stakeholders in the music industry.
The theme of A'Salfo's conference, "African Music: From the Stage to the Power of Influence," reflects his commitment to promoting African culture and empowering artists. With his various initiatives, including the Fondation Magic System, A'Salfo has demonstrated his dedication to using music as a tool for positive change.
Sima 2026 promises to be a valuable platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among African music professionals. A'Salfo's presence is expected to inspire discussions on the role of music in shaping Africa's cultural identity and promoting global understanding. The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with industry leaders and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Key points
- A'Salfo will deliver a conference on "African Music: From the Stage to the Power of Influence" at Sima 2026.
