Choreographer’s Vision Revives Abidjan’s Iconic Rue Princesse at MASA 2026 BODY: Abidjan, Ivory Coast – The 2026 edition of the prestigious Market for African Performing Arts (MASA) concluded in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with a dazzling display of cultural expression, notably a tribute to the city’s renowned Rue Princesse, a hub of urban culture that vanished in 2012.
The festival, which spanned from April 11 to 18, showcased a variety of performances, including storytelling, contemporary dance, music, and street art, attracting a diverse audience. One of the standout pieces was “On descend à la Rue Princesse, “choreographed by Ivorian artist Massidi Adiatou, who drew from his personal experiences as a street dancer in Yopougon. Adiatou’s performance featured 20 dancers who captivated the audience for over an hour with a blend of energy and flamboyant carnival costumes.
Junior Frisson, known for his role as the legendary seducer of Rue Princesse, brought the spirit of the street to life, adding a futuristic twist that envisioned the neighborhood’s potential in 2030.
The show, set in a bar created by Adiatou and her company New Black, also celebrated the coupé-décalé dance style, known for its joy and communal energy. MASA 2026, which wrapped up this weekend, not only served as a celebration of Abidjan’s urban culture but also underscored the festival’s role in promoting social cohesion and economic development through the arts.
The event’s success is a testament to Abidjan’s position as a cultural hub in Africa, fostering a vibrant scene that resonates locally and globally.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
