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FEBRUARY: 28 DAYS, A THOUSAND WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT
February has only 28 days… and yet, it overflows with ideas, desires, energy, and must-see events. Of course, there’s Valentine’s Day, but also a multitude of outings, exhibitions, and concerts that fill the month: jazzy evenings for music lovers, gourmet addresses to try, mustknow food trends, hotspots making headlines, and a schedule designed for families and young audiences… In short, a packed and inspiring program ready to be savored!
To make the most of every moment, flip through, select, book, and build your schedule. With BAAB, you’re sure to enjoy the best of Babi, even in just 28 days.
Happy reading and have a great month!
Managing Director and Publisher : Alice Andrieux
Editor-in-Chief : A. Kouadio
Editorial Secretary General : Gobou Y. F.
Editorial Manager : Anne-Claire Lecouls
Digital and Partnerships Manager : Sylvain Andrieux
Graphic Design Department Manager : Koimé N’Goran A.
Printing : Graphicolor
FOOD COURTS
ABIDJAN’S GOURMET HUBS
Food courts—these gourmet spaces where diverse stalls and shared tables come together— have become the new temples of street food and fast dining in Abidjan. Inspired by the world’s great cities but deeply rooted in local habits, these hybrid venues blend cuisine, culture, music, and conviviality. Here, you can go from a reinvented garba to a smash burger, from a gourmet salad to Afro-Asian fusion cuisine, all in one lively, open space.
Innovative concepts, mixed cuisines, urban vibes: a roundup of the food courts that are buzzing in Abidjan’s food scene.
Whether you’re a fan of Ivorian flavors, a lover of world cuisine, or simply looking for a cool place to eat, these spots have something for everyone. In this section, we take you on a tour of the must-visit addresses and brands you shouldn’t miss to fully enjoy the food court experience. So, where to start?
LA KITCHEN AT IVOIRE TRADE CENTER
Why we love it!
The spacious, light-filled venue with its large glass roof, the pastel-colored furniture, regular pop-ups and events, and the variety of options—perfect for casual breaks, business lunches, after-work gatherings, or late-night meals.
Africafé (African specialties with a twist), Cheese & Co (Tex-Mex fast food and woodfired pizza), Le Grill et L’Atelier du Méchoui (authentic Lebanese cuisine), Nougatine (pastries, bakery, salads, and sandwiches), Uchico (sushi bar and Asian cuisine), Maison Ladurée (macarons, pastries, salads), DipnDip (chocolate bar) et le KitchBar. What you’ll find:
IVOIRE TRADE CENTER
Cocody, bd Hassan II 07 88 00 80 08 ivoire_trade_center
BAABINES
DISTRICT CI
Why we love it!
The freshness of the venue and its brands, the relaxed, no-frills atmosphere, the proximity to padel courts, and the night lighting.
What you’ll find:
DISTRICT CI
Zone 4, bd FG Yacé 07 10 11 11 11 district.ci
Oichi sushi (sushi bar and Japanese cuisine), TriChef’s (burgers and sandwiches), La baguette d’entrecôte (grilled meat sandwiches), Ramen Koya (ramen, noodles, and Japanese dishes), Fratelli (pasta, pizza, and Italian specialties), Pain +225 (African cuisine), Chikos (fried chicken), Tacos locos (Mexican street food), Beyy (Lebanese specialties) et District Café.
Why we love it!
The open-air food court, airy and bright, the modern and colorful stand architecture, the proximity to Elite Club’s sports facilities and fields, and the urban, relaxed vibe— especially in the evening.
What you’ll find:
Le coin gourmand (crêpes, waffles, churros…), Tocha (toasts and bubble teas), Roll & Bowl (Vietnamese specialties), MACS (macaroni cheese shop), Pop’n’bite (fast food), O Verde (healthy juice bar), Head Burger (burgers and sandwiches), Cake me up (cookie, cheesecake, brownie, cookie dough bar…), In Afro fusion (fast food with reinvented African flavors), Coup de food (healthy food), Abou Afif (sandwiches), Nappa Kitchen (Italian cuisine), La Canteen (grilled meat and fries), Elite café
ELITE KITCHEN
Elite Club, Marcory, behind Cap Sud eliteclub.ci
@Food blogger la Goûteuse
BAABINES
PLAYCE FOOD COURTS
Why we love it!
The airy, bright spaces, the family-friendly atmosphere, the decor in soft, natural colors, the giant rattan elephant at PlaYce Marcory, and the convenient location in the heart of shopping centers—perfect for combining food and shopping.
At PlaYce Marcory:
Starscup (coffee shop)
Pizza Doudou (pizzeria)
Burger King (fast food)
La base chez Andy (African street food)
HFC (fried chicken)
Shawarma lounge
Mild Kitchen
At PlaYce Palmeraie:
In Concept Store (Afrofusion cuisine)
Ô Bonzaï (Asian specialties)
Pizza Doudou (pizzeria)
Burger King (fast food)
BAABINES
FOOD TREND
TROMPE-L’OEIL
PASTRY
In 2025, trompe-l’oeil pastry has established itself as one of the world’s most powerful food trends. From Paris to Tokyo, New York to Dubai, desserts are playing with visual illusions and taking social media by storm. And in this global movement, Abidjan is holding its own. Here’s a roundup of our favorite trompe-l’oeil desserts in Babi!
What you think you see is never what you eat!
Hyper-realistic fruits, fake cocoa pods or coffee beans, coconuts more lifelike than the real thing : trompe-l’oeil pastry, driven by an urban clientele craving “wow” effects, transforms the classic dessert approach into a playful, visual experience. At the first cut, total surprise! Beneath the appearance of an everyday object or fruit hide light mousses, melting inserts, and precise biscuits. Long reserved for the display cases of luxury hotels, this technique is now being reclaimed by a new generation of pastry chefs who claim an artistic and contemporary approach to desserts.
Behind the illusion, the technique is razorsharp: custom molds, velvet spraying, perfect glazes, millimeter-precise texture play. An impeccable visual and aesthetic that never overshadows the taste. Abidjanais chefs insist : a successful trompe-l’oeil must first and foremost be readable on the palate—balanced and generous.
We taste :
The Grapefruit from Pâtisserie Naël Taan (Riviera Golf);
The Santa hat, croissant, fried egg, coffee bean, or mango from Pistache et Chocolat (Zone 4);
The coffee bean, lemon, or mango from Pikado (Zone 4);
The raspberry, pistachio, pear, and various citrus from La Cerise (Zone 4);
Various fruits, soft-boiled eggs, pumpkin, coconut, coffee cup, shoes, or bags from Mr Chour (2 Plateaux).
NIRVANA ASSINIE 2025
RECAP OF AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING!
Once again, Nirvana Assinie lived up to all expectations by delivering a New Year’s Eve party as magical as it was grand! An intense and memorable celebration, feet in the sand and heads in the stars, that captivated participants for the 28th time with evergrowing crowds. The evening kicked off under remarkable attendance, before the dance floor ignited at 2 a.m., fueled by a fiery vibe that lasted until well past 7:30 a.m. This edition was another resounding success, experienced in joy, sharing, and without a single incident. A triumph highlighted by flawless organization and a team dedicated to giving its all for an unforgettable moment for its guests.
The entire team extends a huge thank you to all sponsors and partners, to the Maison d’Akoula, to the mobilized individuals—staff, servers, sound and lighting technicians, decorators, communicators, logistics, and workforce— whose professionalism made this collective adventure possible, and to the participants who gave Nirvana Assinie its unique energy.
This is just the beginning of the adventure: see you soon for more emotions.
The Nirvana Assinie Team.
EVENINGS OF THE MONTH
It’s well known that Abidjan’s nightlife is always rich and lively. Afterworks, concerts, karaoke or parties... every week has its own events and parties. To make sure you don’t miss out on the best of Babi by night, here’s our “little diary” of weekly events. Enjoy it all night long !
SLIMSA 3 TRIBUTE TO JAMES BROWN
A vibrant homage evening where soul comes alive, blending live music, pure emotion, and an intimate vibe.
It’s back! The Live Homage Music Special Artist Evenings (SLIMSA) return for a highly anticipated third edition on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Mile’s Abidjan, the go-to spot for live music lovers. The concept stays true to its roots : returning to the sources of music through intimate tribute concerts dedicated to icons who shaped global music history.
After celebrating Carlos Santana and then Sade, SLIMSA hits hard with a special tribute to James Brown, the legendary figure of soul and funk. The “Godfather of Soul” will take center stage for a rhythmic, intense, emotion-packed evening, where his greatest classics are revisited in an authentic live spirit.
8 p.m.: Live performance, opening act artist
8:30 p.m.: James Brown tribute concert
10:15 p.m.: After-party and animations Evening Program
February 12, 2026
Le Mile’s. Zone 4, rue Berté Siaka Tickets at www.lehub.online SLIMSA 3
To carry this homage, SLIMSA has chosen Hiro, a magnetic singer with a remarkable stage presence. Blessed with a powerful soul/jazz voice and contagious energy, he promises an inhabited interpretation of James Brown’s repertoire. Accompanied by the SLIMSA live orchestra—surrounded by virtuosos on piano, bass, drums, and guitar—Hiro will take the audience on a unique musical journey blending groove, sensitivity, and stage power.
The evening will unfold in the warm, elegant setting of Mile’s Abidjan, a renowned jazz club known for its intimate ambiance, quality restaurant, and curated live programming. Here, you savor the music as much as the refined cocktails, in an atmosphere perfect for sharing and emotion.
THE JAZZ AGENDA
FEBRUARY DATES
FEBRUARY 12, 2026: JAZZ TRIP #3
Jazz Vocal & Crooners
For this new stopover, JazzTrip invites you to explore the timeless elegance of Crooners and the virtuosity of Jazz Vocal. Whether you’re a purist from the Frank Sinatra era or a fan of modern jazz, this evening is designed to take you on a journey through the ages, rediscovering classics from the Great American Songbook. To bring this legendary repertoire to life, exceptional talents have been gathered: Marie Jo, whose voice and stage presence will elevate the most demanding standards, and the Jazz Artes Trio for musical accompaniment. The evening will kick off with an introduction by Nin’wlou, offering a “slam” intro to link the poetry of words to the rhythm of notes.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire
Tickets at www.lehub.online
Other dates!
- Apéro jazz and art with Ruth Tafébé: February 7, 2026 at Jacobleu Art Gallery, 2 Plateaux
- Jazz Lovers with Maître Hine and Friends: February 13, 2026 at Hôtel Boutique Pavillon, Zone 4
- Ka’Jazz’Oma with the Say Ackah Trio: February 14 and 28, 2026 at Kajazoma, 2 Plateaux
- Les Soirées de la Note Bleue, Cocody: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with Fusion Band and guests
- Les soirées du Mile’s, Zone 4: Fridays and Saturdays with Jean Ebo
Hommage to Jonathan Butler
For its grand 2026 season reopening, Ivoire Jazz Night hits hard by dedicating its first evening to one of contemporary guitar’s monuments: Jonathan Butler.
From Cape Town, South Africa, Jonathan Butler is an icon of fusion. The first Black artist played on white radio stations during apartheid, he built a unique bridge between African rhythms and American Smooth Jazz. A virtuoso guitarist and singer with a velvety voice, Butler captivated audiences with hits like “Lies” and his Grammynominated self-titled album. His music, infused with spirituality and contagious joie de vivre, remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for guitarists worldwide.
To bring this heritage to the Abidjan stage, who better than Jean Marc Kouakou? This guitarist with fluid, expressive playing takes
on the challenge of reinterpreting Butler’s classics. Far from mere imitation, Jean Marc Kouakou offers an immersion into his mentor’s universe, blending jazz’s harmonic complexity with the warmth of the pop and R’n’B melodies that define the South African master’s work.
The rhythmic backbone of the evening will be provided by the indispensable Abijazz Five’s group. Under the baton of their conductor Ediamed, the musicians promise total cohesion to support Jean Marc Kouakou’s flights of fancy. Ediamed’s rigor and passion are well-known: he will infuse the quintet with the organic energy needed to make the French Institute’s auditorium vibrate.
February 27, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Institut français
Reservations at www.lehub.online
SCENE ROUNDUP
4 CONCERTS NOT TO MISS!
Craving the thrill of live music? This month, Abidjan is on fire with a selection of unmissable concerts! Here are 4 dates to mark in your calendars.
AFRO URBAN, RUMBA
Ya Levis
February 7, 2026 at Parc des Expositions www.lehub.online
AFRO RNB
Lil Dou
February 14, 2026 at Palais de la Culture 07 04 75 08 81
AFROBEAT
Meiitod
February 14, 2026 at Yelam’s 07 48 61 52 91
AFRO RNB
Josey
February 14, 2026 at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire and February 15, 2026 at Esplanade du Palais de la Culture 05 76 24 22 22
VALENTINE’S DAY
LOVE HITS THE DANCEFLOOR
Don’t forget: February is the month of love. But this year, we’re living it differently!
For Valentine’s Day, BAAB offers its selection of evenings that reinvent romance. Highenergy vibes, great music, electro atmospheres, boiling dancefloors, or games... fun, trendy, festive experiences to celebrate love differently, with complicity, energy, and the joy of being together.
TBM x Gasóleo, « Love is back » Disco & House
February 7, 2026, Superkart, Zone 3
Tickets : www.lehub.online
Quizz party “Love story” and bal de poussière
La Quizzine
February 7, 2026, Riviera Golf laquizzine
Zion Coco, « Dance Hall Valentine » Espace Coco invites Were Klub
February 13, 2026, AZK live, Blockhauss
Tickets : www.lehub.online
La Nuit des loveurs
100% Rétro Love with Dj Marcko
February 13, 2026, 5e avenue, Riviera 2 07 08 21 18 97
Global Warming
Arthur Chaps & DJ Apoloss
February 14, 2026, The Rooph, Riviera Bonoumin 07 07 70 10 10
La Descuento, « Shatta Valentine » DJ Vibe
February 14, 2026, Riviera Bonoumin 01 42 21 50 71
Kamayakoi, « Amour sauvage »
Electric Experience
February 14, 2026, Assinie kamayakoi
Nadia Gbatey et le Favor Band
Live Music
February 14, 2026, El Padrino, Plateau 07 16 16 16 16
TOUR OF THE GALLERIES
FEBRUARY EXHIBITIONS
« TEINTES D’IDENTITÉ »
Through a powerful photographic series, Ivorian artist Karen Kouamé reinterprets the identity photo to celebrate the cultural diversity of Côte d’Ivoire. Each portrait reveals a heritage, a tradition, or a singularity, transforming the image into a tool for memory and transmission. A sensitive tribute to Ivorian identity, between plurality, resilience, and modernity. Until February 14, 2026 at Labaraque (Riviera jardins).
« FRAGMENTS DE MÉMOIRES »
A2021 graduate of INSAAC, Aristide Gnakomene questions the fragility of digital memory through the obsolescence of CDs. From these forgotten fragments, he creates powerful figures, blending pictorial art and Ivorian heritage. Like a contemporary griot, he transforms digital traces into identity narratives, inviting deep reflection on collective memory, transmission, and history. Until the end of February 2026 at Galerie Eureka (Zone 4).
Akan, 2025, Karen Kouamé
La mémoire caressée - 80x80 cm - 2025
« MURMURES D’ARCHIVES : SUR LES TRACES DE HANS
HIMMELHEBER »
Amajor exhibition celebrating the work of German ethnologist, merchant, and collector Hans Himmelheber. Between 1933 and 1976, this scientist traveled across Africa, collecting art objects and documenting his research through photographs, recordings, and films. Until March 8, 2026 at MuCAT (Abobo).
« SOUFFLE »
Apermanent exhibition at the Maison de l’Art in Grand-Bassam, “Breath” brings together the works of twenty-eight contemporary artists from nine African countries. Together, they bear witness to the continent’s creative vitality, where excellence, innovation, and artistic renewal converge. Painting, sculpture, photography, and furniture design: each medium is reinvented to offer a new reading of reality and African heritage. Until May 2026 at the Maison de l’Art (Grand-Bassam).
Aida Muluneh, THE 99 SERIES – PART THREE, 2018 Photographie 80 x 80 cm.
Joana Choumali, Abondance, série Albahian, 2024
« I BREATHE AND I DREAM »
The first solo exhibition by Latifa Alajlan, who draws on Kuwaiti cultural heritage to explore motifs, architecture, and gesture. Her lattice underlayers and expressive impasto evoke the iconic structures of the Middle East. Rooted in the regional tradition of abstraction, her work creates atmospheric compositions where recognizable forms and free movements intertwine, questioning notions of order, perception, and the relationship between structure and sensation. Until March 21, 2026 at Galerie Farah Fakhri (Plateau).
« URBAN MARKET »
This exhibition pays homage to the women who bring the city to life every day. Through frontal and vibrant paintings, Bernard Ajarb magnifies their work, endurance, and serene authority. The market becomes a space of dignity, relationships, and affirmed presence, where every gesture and posture carries symbolic strength. Until February 21, 2026 at Walls House of Art (Zone 4).
Latifa Alajlan, When the Sky Touched the Ground, 2025
« VOIX PLASTIQUES DU MALI
CONTEMPORAIN »
Malian artist Seydou Traoré offers a sensitive immersion into the social realities, collective memories, and human figures that traverse his work, between silence, identity, and commitment. Until February 22, 2026 at the Couloir des Arts, Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire (Cocody).
« BRILLANTISSM’ UPCYCLING »
This exhibition questions our fascination with the new and the shiny by proposing another kind of brilliance: that of reuse. Through fashion creations from workshops held in Abidjan, the exhibition highlights upcycling as an aesthetic, sustainable, and meaningful act. Between local craftsmanship, innovation, and ecology, it invites us to rethink our value systems and to make circular creation shine over time. The journey combines textile pieces, photographs, videos, texts, and performances. Until February 21, 2026 at the Institut français (Plateau).
« LEILA ALAOUI »
The first monographic exhibition dedicated to Leila Alaoui in sub-Saharan Africa, this project brings together photographs and moving image works. It questions identity, memory, and the stakes of representation through the deeply humanist gaze of the artist. Hosted in Abidjan, a crossroads of West African mobility, the exhibition offers a sensitive reflection on migration, exile, and the dignity of daily life, while weaving a dialogue between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Until March 15, 2026 at Something Art Space (Blockhauss).
« KEA »
Atthe crossroads of illustration, fashion, and cultural design, Mélissa
Toa of Cocody Klub develops a hybrid visual universe nourished by her Ivorian heritage. In KÉA, meaning “God” in Wobé, she explores female identity through spirituality, feminism, and ancestral myths, blending the intimate, the collective, and contemporary influences. In February 2026 at Maison Kōtokō (Bassam Mockeyville).
« RÉALITÉS MASQUÉES »
Drawing from the Dan tradition, Jacobleu finds inspiration in the world of masks. Through a contemporary approach, he questions the relationship between man and mask, revealing a universal truth: man himself is a mask, shaping the image he presents to society. In February 2026 at Jacobleu Art Gallery (2 Plateaux).
« LE POUVOIR DE DIRE NOUS »
The works of the first residency by artists Richmond Téhe, Marie Obodou, and Sara l’Artchimiste at Mastifani Gallery. Through various media, they explore notions of transmission, coexistence, and sustainability. They shift the focus from the artwork as object to the artwork as a space for dialogue, connecting the local to the global, the intimate to the collective. Until April 2026 at Mastifani Gallery (Zone 4).
Richmond Téhe, Sang Bleu #004 2025, mixed media on canvas 200x200cm.
« REGARDER CE QUI DEMEURE »
The exhibition brings together paintings and sculptures by Roland Sié, created from raw materials (steel, wood, and plastic). This artist and world-builder reveals, through his works, the life that resides in matter, what remains…
And what remains, is it not ultimately time? How do we observe it? Each exhibited work embodies an element of the answer. Time leaves traces; materials become witnesses of its passage and question our relationship to duration. For Roland Sié, painting, assembling, and transforming matter is a vital need. His work does not seek to represent the world as it is, but to reveal its invisible tensions: wear, resistance, memory.
From February 26 to March 14, 2026 at the Institut français
Opening reception on Thursday, February 26 at 6 PM under the patronage of the Hôtel de l’Art de Bouaké, followed by a sound apéritif.
Each work bears the trace of a passage. Each material tells a story: steel, used for years in pottery firing, bears the marks of heat and endurance. Wood, from carpentry benches, retains the traces of repeated gestures, of assumed fatigue. Plastic, born from industrial waste, transforms into surprisingly fragile and balanced forms.
The paintings extend this dialogue with matter. Abstract, they leave room for interpretation. Gestures, layers, and ruptures evoke matter in transformation and translate inner states. You are not invited to look, but to feel.
IVOIRE BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026
ASK FOR THE PROGRAM!
In this February 2025, and for the seventh consecutive year, we’ll celebrate the continent’s richness with “Ivoire Black History Month.” The 2026 edition, under the theme “Patrimonialization of Cinema: Between Cinema and Heritage, a Shared Fight for Memory,” will pay homage to Ivorian cinema by emphasizing the preservation and transmission of this cultural heritage threatened by oblivion. Here’s what awaits you!
Bringing together artists, institutions, and communities around a common project: making Ivorian cinema a living, accessible, and transmitted heritage.
- CINÉMA AMBULANT – RURAL SCREENINGS
Cycle of traveling screenings of Ivorian films in Abidjan, Bouaké, and Katiola, followed by debates to reconnect cinema with audiences who don’t go to theaters.
- IMMERSION O’VILLAGE
Immersive day in the village of M’Brago, the iconic filming location of Roger Gnoan M’Bala’s film Ablakon, questioning the relationships between territory, cinematic aesthetics, and memorial transmission. Saturday, February 7, 2026, in M’Brago.
- CULTURE LOVER – LA NUIT DES GREBO
The Culture Lover program plays a strategic role by supporting young authors and directors in producing short films as acts of memory, creation, and cultural positioning. The official screening of films from this program will take place on February 10, 2026, at the Institut français.
- CLOSING CEREMONY
Screening-discussion celebrating major figures of Ivorian cinema, followed by a university debate around the film La Nuit des Rois with student youth present. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Centre Jacques Aka, Bouaké.
Until February 14, 2026
IBHM 2026
ivoireblackhistorymonth
« ON POSERA LES MOTS APRÈS »
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
With “On posera les mots après”, the Fondation Donwahi dedicates a solo exhibition to Yvanovitch Mbaya, an artist with a singular trajectory whose work invites slowness, listening, and introspection.
When the image precedes the word, art becomes an inner, sensory experience.
Born in Congo-Brazzaville and now based in Morocco, Yvanovitch Mbaya develops a free practice, unbound by academic frameworks. His work is deeply marked by his travels across the African continent: 37 countries visited, each yielding encounters,
landscapes, and stories that fuel an oeuvre driven by the quest for self and reconnection to ancestral myths and practices. For him, traveling is never anecdotal; it’s a foundational act, a driving force of creation.
His artistic practice blends drawing, Chinese ink washes, and natural pigments—sourced notably from coffee maceration. This organic, almost living material gives his works a particular density, both fragile and powerful. Mbaya explores essential themes: identity, the body, displacement, inequalities, memory, and the search for unity. The body, ever-present, becomes a territory in motion, a crossroads where personal stories intersect with collective narratives.
In his recent works, an enigmatic red object emerges as a recurring motif. It’s a subtle homage to the Ivorian sculptor Aboudramane Doumbouya, a key figure in artistic creation. Orbiting this symbolic element are floating, dancing, or sometimes vulnerable bodies, carriers of a silent, intimate, yet universal poetry. The work doesn’t seek to explain; it suggests, leaving the viewer free to enter at their own pace.
The exhibition’s curator sums up this approach aptly: here, silence is a language. The gaze precedes discourse, emotion outpaces analysis. Presenting Yvanovitch Mbaya in a solo show reflects a strong conviction of the Fondation Donwahi: to give time, space, and visibility to a deeply human work—stripped bare yet laden with meaning.
« ON POSERA LES MOTS APRÈS »
Until February 28, 2026
Fondation Donwahi, 2 Plateaux fondation_donwahi
Trained at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts de Brazzaville and a laureate of the Ateliers Sahm in 2012, Yvanovitch Mbaya has built an international career, participating in major events in Africa and Europe (Off Biennale de Dakar, Douala Art Fair, Segou’Art, Yaz Karmasi 17, 1.54 Marrakech, AKAA Paris). Spotted in 2024 during the Connecting Deep project initiated by cultural entrepreneurs Roger Karera and Jean Servais Somian, he now enjoys his first solo exhibition in Côte d’Ivoire.
WORLD OF WONDERS
OUR FAVORITE
A moment of contemplation dedicated to childhood, envisioned as an intimate territory weaving memory, transmission, and becoming.
Until March 14, 2026, the LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery presents World of Wonders, a duo show bringing together works by Prince Obasi and Dramane Toloba. Through this artistic dialogue, the exhibition explores childhood as a world unto itself—a space of innocence and carefree joy, but also of quiet promises, where gazes, gestures, and the first ways of being in the world take shape.
A recurring figure in art history, the child holds a singular place on the African continent, closely tied to notions of transmission, lineage, and intergenerational bonds. Far from an idealized or purely nostalgic view, World of Wonders offers a more sensitive, contemporary reading of childhood, seen as a living territory traversed by collective memory and present realities.
This is the thread followed by Dramane Toloba and Prince Obasi. Both cast an attentive eye on ordinary life scenes, where childhood unfolds in play, simple gestures, and the protective presence of the mother. Their works capture suspended moments, where the everyday becomes a site of narration and reflection.
Dramane Toloba composes his scenes from fabric fragments assembled on canvas, held by paperclips that make visible the links and seams of memory. This recomposed material evokes a sensory memory, built from layered stories, transmitted gestures, and sewn-together worlds. His luminous canvases surface a gentle nostalgia: tales
told around the fire, shared riddles, races with friends, and collective games. They also suggest the gradual disappearance of these moments of joy and transmission, replaced by quieter forms of solitude. The figures he depicts carry the lingering warmth of those past instants.
In Prince Obasi’s work, childhood reveals itself in the delicacy of shared moments. His scenes, bathed in calm light, highlight maternal love, play, and attention to daily gestures. The artist revisits the bourgeois family portrait, infusing it with fresh sensitivity—both intimate and universal. The child appears fully present, rooted in a world still alive with wonder and tenderness.
In dialogue, the works of World of Wonders invite us to reconsider childhood not as a bygone age, but as a way of inhabiting the present. A fragile, essential world of wonders, where perhaps our truest essence resides.
Echoing the exhibition’s themes, a portion of sales will go to the Imagine le Monde association, active in Côte d’Ivoire for the education and inclusion of vulnerable children and youth.
A masterclass dedicated to oratory art and public speaking, inspired by battle rap techniques. Led by Lunik Grio’, an iconic figure in French battle rap and coach on Nouvelle École (Netflix), this training aims to boost the impact and effectiveness of oral expression.
February 6, 2026 at 8 p.m. at La Fabrique Culturelle
Tickets at www.lehub.online
DÉCOUV’RIRE - LES P’TITS FUTÉS
COMEDY CLUB
Eddy, Maitre Zélé, Jenny sans frein, Esprit Saint, Twinti, Le Delta, and Wéré Wéré National invite you to the 4th session of your new comedy club. Jokes, punchlines, good vibes, and tons of laughs for a guaranteed chill time!
February 7, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Les P’tits Futés
Tickets at www.lehub.online
DIAMANLO - LA FABRIQUE CULTURELLE
Diamalo crafts a music pulsing with Africa’s beats and Jamaica’s warm breaths. Drawing from the legacy of Tiken Jah Fakoly, Alpha Blondy, and Lucky Dube, he delivers a reggae that doesn’t just follow a line—it breathes, seeks, connects.
February 7, 2026 at 8 p.m. at La Fabrique Culturelle
Tickets at www.lehub.online
ABIDJAN CAPITALE DU RIRE PALAIS DE LA CULTURE, PULLMAN HÔTEL
The 11th edition of Abidjan’s—and all of subSaharan Africa’s—biggest humor festival! Epic laughs and conviviality with top local and international comedians. Not to be missed!
3 days of non-stop music with reggae’s biggest names. A unique experience where good vibes, culture, and diversity meet in a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
February 6–8, 2026 at AZK Live 05 05 00 27 63
February 13–15, 2026
Abidjan Capitale du Rire
CORPS 2000 - INSTITUT FRANÇAIS
The Dumanlé le Baobab art development center presents “Abobo Gare”, a piece celebrating the energy and resilience of an iconic place. Blending dance and photography, it stages a youth forged by the “school of the street.”
February 20, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Institut français 27 20 20 40 60
ÉCHOS CÉLESTES
PALAIS DE LA CULTURE
APÉRO LITTÉRAIRE
GOETHE INSTITUT
MEETUP
Participants will share their favorite reads and exchange with guest Inès Ouattara, accompanied by Nincemon Falle, around the theme “Writing and Resistance,” in a warm atmosphere spiced with piano and a glass of wine.
February 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Goethe Institut
25 22 00 88 99
Five dancers from the Ivorian company Alkebulan Danse explore our obsession with others’ gaze. The piece questions our identity through others’ prism. A poignant physical language probes our link to the divine and the legacy we’ll leave.
February 21, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Palais de la Culture
07 57 50 96 91
CONCERT DE L’OAMA
The Orchestre des Amis de la Musique d’Abidjan offers a show centered on musical journeys, blending Western symphonic music, great film scores, and revisited Ivorian tradimodern classics in symphonic version.
February 28, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Institut français 27 20 20 40 60
SCREAM 7
MOVIE OF THE MONTH
Whena new Ghostface emerges in the peaceful town where Sidney Prescott has rebuilt her life, her worst nightmares resurface. As her daughter becomes the next target, Sidney has no choice but to fight back. Determined to protect her loved ones, she must confront the demons of her past in an attempt to end the bloodshed once and for all.
BAAB Talks About It...
Missed him? He’s back. Ghostface is ready to strike again and is sure to make audiences scream! Scream 7 hits theaters on February 27, 2026, at Majestic Cinemas, marking the grand comeback of a cult saga that, nearly thirty years after its debut, has lost none of its edge. This seventh installment promises a much-anticipated return to the roots, with Kevin Williamson, the historic screenwriter of Scream, stepping behind the camera to deliver an episode announced as tighter, more direct, and true to the original spirit.
The cast also clearly plays on emotion and collective memory: Neve Campbell reprises her iconic role as Sidney Prescott, joined by Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, while Dewey, the emblematic sheriff played by David Arquette, completes this legendary trio. Tense, meta, and effective, Scream 7 promises chills, suspense, tension, and bloodcurdling screams. A must-see for fans of smart slashers!
CINEMA AT IFCI
PROMISED LAND
by Erige Sehiri. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 7 PM.
SUDAN, REMEMBER by Hind Meddeb. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7 PM.
ALLAH IS NOT OBLIGED by Zaven Najjar. Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 7 PM.
SECRET AGENT by Kleber Mendonça Filho. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 7 PM.
Plateau, av. Franchet d’Esperey 27 20 20 40 60 Institut Français de Côte d’Ivoire institutfrançais.ci
To find out dates and times subscribe to the IFCI WhatsApp channel on 07 08 81 06 68.
Admission : 3,000 FCFA ; reduced admission : 2,000 FCFA (library members, under-18s and students under-30s).
ON THE MOVE?
ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH
Helmets on and wheels rolling, little riders take over the track!
Slalom, speed, jumps… This month, BAAB offers children an activity that’s as fun as it is educational: rollerblading! More than just a sport, it’s a unique feeling of freedom—a moment to glide, laugh, and push your limits with confidence. Let’s go!
Whether they’re beginners or already fans, rollerblading classes for kids adapt to all levels. Guided by passionate and experienced coaches, they learn the essentials before trying more dynamic exercises: slaloming between cones, controlled acceleration, speed initiation, and safe first jumps. Each session is progressive, fun, and designed to make them want to go further, always in a fun, supportive, and safe atmosphere.
Safety gear is mandatory, exercises are tailored to age and skill level, and groups are kept small—everything is designed so kids can progress with peace of mind while having a blast. Classes alternate between games, challenges, and technical courses to keep attention high and the desire to learn strong. Beyond the glide, rollerblading helps children develop balance, coordination, and self-confidence. By learning to fall and get back up, they gain assurance and cultivate a true sporting spirit. In short, rollerblading is an activity that releases energy, builds character, and creates memories—until they become real gliding pros!
Courses and locations on request 07 00 24 74 14 Roller Sport Pub Marketing
WANT TO TRY… HEELS DANCE
Perched on heels, with an assertive posture and confident gaze, heels dance attracts, intrigues, and liberates. Popularized by pop star music videos and cabaret scenes, this discipline has now found its place in dance studios, appealing to an ever-wider audience. Could this be the moment to give it a try?
Born from the fusion of jazz, street dance, and voguing, heels dance is practiced— just as the name suggests—in heels. Far from being just a stylish accessory, heels transform posture, engage deep muscles, and demand a true awareness of the body. Here, you work on balance, coordination, fluidity… and attitude. Every movement tells a story: confidence, sensuality, power.
Contrary to popular belief, heels dance is not just for experienced dancers. It’s for anyone who wants to explore their physical expression and gain confidence. Classes are usually progressive, focusing on safety, with precise instruction on support and movement. Beyond the technical aspects, heels dance is often experienced as a liberating journey. Dancing in heels means daring to take up space, reconnecting with your body, and fully embracing your presence. A real boost to self-esteem, felt long after leaving the studio.
Want to give it a go? No need to invest in sky-high heels right away: a stable, anklesupporting pair is enough to start. The most important thing? Let go, trust yourself, and above all… have fun!
Talons aux pieds, confiance en soi, la danse change tout.
Atelier H, Zone 4 ( atelierhdanse) et Artkoya, 2 Plateaux ( artkoya_225) for Modern Cabaret classes
Johanna Fakhry at Ribambelles, johanna_fakhry_official
RICA
8TH EDITION COMING SOON!
You’re now used to this annual appointment, and many of you eagerly await it! The 8th season of RICA (Rencontres Interculturelles du Cirque d’Abidjan) is announced and will take place from March 9 to 14, 2026, on the stage of the Institut français. Here’s what it has in store!
This year, the festival welcomes 8 troupes from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, around a powerful theme: “Youth and Perspectives, a Challenge to Embrace.”.
RICA 8
March 9–14, 2026, Institut français
Tickets at www.lehub.online, La Fabrique Culturelle, FNAC, and Institut français
Carried by La Fabrique Culturelle—a true benchmark in producing and promoting performing arts in Côte d’Ivoire—the RICA have established themselves in just a few years as West Africa’s biggest circus event. For eight years, this festival has made Babi’s heart beat to the rhythm of inventive, inclusive contemporary circus.
Conceived as a true launchpad for African talents, the RICA support professionalization of troupes, encourage their boldness and creativity, and give African circus visibility,
credibility, and recognition far beyond borders. The numbers speak for themselves! In 8 editions, RICA means: 80,000 spectators, 50 invited international companies— including Cirque du Soleil—and 4 companies guided toward professionalization and propelled internationally.
The festival is also a hub of life and encounters, blending high-quality shows, training sessions, and exchanges among artists from diverse horizons. Above all, it’s Babi’s only circus rendezvous—a family moment for intense emotions and discovering world artists.
For this 8th edition, RICA offers a varied program:
HYPNOTEAM, a French troupe that humorously reveals the mysteries of hypnosis
DAVAÏ company, totally atypical, bringing together a Ukrainian, an Israeli, and a Russian: a true lesson in living together, on stage and in the city
BKO magicians from Mali, one of the rare troupes doing magic on the continent
BONBEKO acrobats from Senegal, blending their flips with afrojazz rhythms
TINAFAN Guineans, RICA regulars
N’SOLÉ Ivorian company, with its mindblowing energy between coupé-décalé and physical performance
And a 100% female show by IVOIRE CIRQUE
DÉCALÉ, an Ivorian company born at RICA a few years ago.
RICA also features strong social commitment. This year, a free show will be specially offered at Bingerville’s Mère-Enfant Hospital to bring comfort to hospitalized children.
If you’re interested in the festival’s visibility, don’t hesitate to request collaborations to shine a light on circus in Babi.
La Fabrique Culturelle
FEBRUARY YOUNG AUDIENCE SELECTION
FAMILY OUTINGS TO SHARE
Circus, theater, festivals, or storytelling… February is packed with family-friendly events! Great news, because nothing beats going to a show with your kids! So pick your favorites: BAAB has curated outings that young audiences and adults alike will love!
Shows to marvel, laugh, feel, share, and discover the world!
LA SOIRÉE DES ENFANTS CONTEURS
Under the theme “Cultural Masks: An Ivorian Identity, a Living Heritage”, la Soirée des enfants conteurs returns for an emotional, transmission-filled edition. Led by storyteller Flopy Mendosa, 22 children initiated in storytelling art will take the stage for a unique performance blending tales, traditional dances, music, and song.
Through their voices and gestures, the children remind us that masks are not mere aesthetic objects but powerful symbols of memory, identity, and spirituality. Each tale reveals a people’s history, an ancestor’s story, a ritual, or a celebration, exploring the multiple roles of masks in Ivorian cultures.
This evening is a true invitation to travel, where wisdom meets imagination. A warm family moment and a great chance to introduce the youngest to storytelling magic while celebrating a living heritage deeply rooted in Ivorian identity.
February 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Institut français de Côte d’Ivoire 07 09 86 53 47
From February 2 to 14, 2026, the 11th edition of the Festival International du Jeune Public d’Abidjan (FIJPA)—an annual performing arts event for schoolchildren—takes place. Initiated by choreographer Hermann Nikoko Yao and the Ivorian dance company Dumanlé, this festival aims to awaken children to new artistic disciplines and spark their desire to practice them.
Over 8 days, children aged 3–16 from select Abidjan and Oumé schools will live to the beat of dance, music, and circus acts!
Coached by Ivorian and international artists, they’ll join initiation workshops (black theater, hip-hop, juggling, acrobatics, puppets…) they’ll adore! A virtual visit to the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire will also be offered: an immersive digital experience to discover collections differently!
In parallel, shows are programmed in Oumé and Abidjan to introduce schoolchildren
and the public to performing arts in all their diversity. Here’s what’s in store!
“Quand l’objet nous télé-porte” (“When the Object Teleports Us”), a circus show by Moroccan company Bader Ellaouaz in Oumé and February 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Institut français.
“La main qui donne” (“The Giving Hand”) by Ivoire Marionnettes company. School performances.
“Les deux visages du silence” (“The Two Faces of Silence”) by Art Magica company (Côte d’Ivoire/Germany), directed by Rebecca Kompaoré—a storytelling show blending song and speech. School performances and February 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Institut français.
FIJPA
07 58 38 03 69
Rates: 5 000 FCFA / 3 000 FCFA
CINÉ KIDS « GOAT – DREAM BIGGER »
Kids, come relive new adventures of your favorite heroes at a premiere just for you! A half-day special with fun activities, popcorn, gifts, and the film screening. February 14, 2026 at Majestic Ivoire cinemas (9 a.m.) and Ficgayo (2 p.m.).
CIRCUS AT LA FABRIQUE CULTURELLE
Designed as a prelude to RICA 8, this workshop is for kids aged 6–13. Acrobatics, trapeze, dance, pyramids… young circus apprentices, guided by professional artists, will learn creativity and teamwork through cultural transmission and exchange. A public presentation showcasing their work and progress will cap the session. February 23–28, 2026 at La Fabrique Culturelle (2 Plateaux). Reservations at www.lehub.online
“DRAW
YOUR COMIC” AT INSTITUT FRANÇAIS
A creative writing and illustration workshop led by Gloire Wanief, inviting kids to dive into the world of comics. From a provided script (synopsis and dialogues) and storyboard with deliberately blank panels, participants will bring the story to life through drawing. Respecting the narrative rhythm and character interactions, each can unleash their imagination while discovering visual storytelling basics. February 21, 2026 at 9 a.m. at Institut français.
THE SUDANESE-STYLE MOSQUES OF NORTHERN CÔTE D’IVOIRE
AN EXCEPTIONAL HERITAGE
Situated in the localities of Kong, Tengréla, Kouto, Sorobango, Samatiguila, Nambira, and Kaouara, these mosques represent the best-preserved examples among the twenty or so that still exist today. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Sudanese-style mosques of northern Côte d’Ivoire are among the most remarkable heritage sites in West Africa. Located in the northern half of the country, in the savanna region, they are mainly found in the Savanes, Worodougou, Denguélé, Bafing, and Zanzan regions. In 2021, eight of these mosques were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing their outstanding universal value and their historical, architectural, and spiritual significance.
Origins of the Sudanese Style
The Sudanese architectural style originated between the 12th and 14th centuries in the city of Djenné, then part of the Mali Empire. Djenné was a major center of transSaharan trade, based on the exchange of gold, salt, and kola between sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa. From the 15th century onward, this style gradually spread southward, carried by Mandinka Muslim merchants and scholars, especially after the fall of the Songhai Empire at the end of the 16th century. The mosques are not only important material witnesses to the trans-Saharan trade that facilitated the expansion of Islam and Islamic culture, but also the tangible expression of the fusion of two enduring architectural forms: the Islamic style practiced by the AraboBerbers and that of the indigenous animist communities.
Architecture Adapted to Climate and Local Materials
The Sudanese mosques of northern Côte d’Ivoire are built primarily from raw earth (adobe), a local material composed of earth, water, and plant fibers. Their thick walls, sometimes nearly a meter wide, provide both strength and thermal regulation. The often blind facades are animated by powerful vertical buttresses that reinforce the structure. The projecting wooden frameworks, called torons, serve as permanent scaffolding for annual maintenance work.
The minarets, of varying heights depending on the site, take the form of a truncated pyramid, characteristic of the Sudanese style. They are sometimes crowned with pottery, earthen balls, or ostrich eggs—symbolic elements associated with protection, fertility, and spirituality. As the style spread southward, it was adapted to a more humid climate: the buildings became lower and more compact, with reinforced buttresses capable of withstanding heavy rains.
The Great Mosque of Kong: A Major Symbol
Among the eight classified mosques, the Great Mosque of Kong, known as Missiriba, holds a central place. Built in the 17th century, it bears witness to Kong’s role as a major religious, intellectual, and commercial center. In 1741, the city had several mosques, but only two remain today. The Great Mosque was destroyed in 1897 by Samory Touré to prevent its capture by French colonial forces, and was later rebuilt in the early 20th century. Despite an ill-advised restoration in 1978, it remains the oldest symbol of the Islamization of northern Côte d’Ivoire.
Mosquée de Kouto @OIPC
Mosquée Samatiguila
Diversity and Specificities of the Other Mosques
The mosque of Tengréla, built in 1655 by the master mason Massa Flaté, stands out for its compact architecture and its close integration into the urban fabric. The mosque of Kouto, constructed in the 17th century, impresses with its massive volumes and its strategic location at the entrance to the city. Those of Nambira, Samatiguila, and Sorobango illustrate more rural or semi-urban forms, while respecting the fundamental principles of the Sudanese style. The ancient site of Kaouara completes the ensemble.
A Living and Communal Heritage
Unlike static monuments, these mosques remain places of prayer, gathering, and social transmission. Their maintenance and management are overseen by the Ivorian Office for Cultural Heritage (OIPC) in collaboration with local communities. However, they face several challenges today: urbanization, the use of inappropriate modern materials, and non-compliant restorations.
Mosquée de Nambira @OIPC
Mosquée de Kong
PASSIONATELY CI AT THE END OF THE ROAD... MONOGAGA
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