Issuu

Odwira

Jan 2025 Feb 2025

Dak’Art Biennial Festival Hogbetsotso

Goree Diaspora Festival (Ends in Dec)

Fête des Marques (Ends in Dec)

Mar 2025

LOVE AFRICA

message from the ceo

Dear Esteemed Partners and Clients,

As we welcome September, we reﬂect on the vibrancy and cultural wealth of West Africa. This is a time when many communities across the region celebrate their heritage through festivals, art, and travel. At Landtours, we remain committed to connecting our clients with the pulse of West Africa's cultural heartbeat.

This month, we are excited to highlight the rich cultural narratives of Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and Benin, with features on unique travel opportunities, festivals, and contemporary art. These nations are not just destinations- they are experiences waiting to unfold.

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In the coming weeks, we’ll launch a new set of tailored travel packages designed around the harvest festivals in Ghana and the thriving arts scene in Senegal, offering immersive cultural encounters that allow our guests to experience the heart of West Africa. These moments of connection, where past and present meet, are what deﬁne us at Landtours. As always, we are honoured to be your gateway to this extraordinary region.

Warm regards,

mawuli dzebu landtours ceo

Mawuli Dzebu

Dak’Art Festival Tour

Nov 6th-15th

$3,208 per person double occupancy single supplement: $1,590 from

Dak’Art Festival Tour

Nov 6th-15th

Highlights

City Tour of Dakar Visit key landmarks including Independence Square, Kernel Market, and the IFAN Museum.

Dak'Art Festival Participate in the opening ceremony and explore various exhibitions and art installations.

Gorée Island A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its poignant history as a former slave trading post.

Joal Fadiouth Explore this unique village known for its shell-covered island and mixed-faith cemetery.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Saloum Delta Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the lush mangroves and serene waters of the delta.

Why You Should Book

Artistic Immersion Engage with renowned artists and explore diverse contemporary artworks at the Dak'Art Festival.

Historical Insights Gain a deep understanding of Senegal's history through visits to Gorée Island and other historical sites.

Cultural Experiences Interact with local communities and learn about their customs and traditions in Joal Fadiouth and other villages.

Natural Beauty Experience Senegal’s wildlife and natural landscapes in Bandia Reserve and the Saloum Delta.

Inclusions

• Private air-conditioned vehicle

• Best 3/5-star hotels in Dakar and Saly

• Daily breakfast, plus additional meals as speciﬁed

• Entry fees to sites included as per the itinerary

• Professional tour guide and licensed driver

september 2024 | issue #8

8 bridging cultures: the dipo festival in ghana

10 the rise of the afrobeat scene in côte d'ivoire

In recent years, the Afrobeat genre has expanded beyond its Nigerian roots.

11 heritage and festivity: the evala wrestling festival

12 benin’s thriving contemporary art scene: a cultural renaissance

While Benin is often associated with its rich historical ties to the Kingdom of Dahomey and the transatlantic slave trade, the country is now emerging as a hub for contemporary art in West Africa.

18 11

20 kankurang festival of janjanbureh discovering the sacred forests of casamance

The Dipo Festival in Ghana

The Dipo Festival, celebrated by the Krobo people in the Eastern Region of Ghana, stands as one of the most remarkable rites of passage in West Africa. The annual event, held in April, is a powerful blend of tradition, community, and spirituality. During this ceremony, young Krobo girls transition into womanhood through elaborate rituals, adorned in traditional beads and cloths, reﬂecting the deep cultural heritage of the Krobo tribe.

For travellers, the Dipo Festival provides a rare opportunity to witness an authentic traditional rite. Beyond the ceremony, visitors can explore the lush hills and historic towns of the Krobo region, which offer a picturesque backdrop to one of Ghana’s most revered traditions. This festival is both a celebration of identity and a reafﬁrmation of the Krobo people's resilience and connection to their roots.

Above: Girls painting their faces for the Dipo Festival

Above: A portrait of young girls in the Dipo Festival

The Rise of the Afrobeat Scene in Côte d'Ivoire

In recent years, the Afrobeat genre has expanded beyond its Nigerian roots, taking West Africa by storm. One of the places where this growth is most visible is in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in Abidjan. The city is fast becoming a hub for emerging artists who fuse traditional rhythms with modern Afrobeat sounds.

This new wave of Ivorian artists is creating a unique blend of music that is gaining international attention. Artists like Serge Beynaud and DJ Arafat have become prominent ﬁgures in the Afrobeat scene, contributing to the cultural exchange between countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire. As Afrobeat continues to thrive, Abidjan is positioning itself as a cultural nexus for West African music.

Serge Beynaud in concert

The Evala Wrestling Festival

Evala is one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in Togo, highlighting the importance of physical strength, resilience, and cultural pride. Held in the Kara region, this annual event sees young men engage in wrestling matches as part of their rite of passage into adulthood.

The festival, which takes place in July, is not only a spectacle of athleticism but also a gathering point for the Kabye people to celebrate their heritage. Thousands of locals and visitors alike gather in the villages of Tchitchao and Pya to witness the matches and the accompanying festivities, which include traditional music, dancing, and food.

For those looking to explore the cultural depth of West Africa, the Evala Festival offers a rich, immersive experience. Travellers can also enjoy the stunning landscapes of Togo, from its rolling hills to its historic villages, while being part of a cultural event that brings communities together.

Men competing at the Evala Festival

Benin’s Thriving Contemporary Art Scene

Benin’s Thriving Contemporary

Art Scene

A Cultural Rennaissance

Benin, a small but culturally rich nation in West Africa, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in its contemporary art scene. Once recognized primarily for its deep historical and traditional art, especially the renowned Benin Bronzes, the country is now at the forefront of Africa’s contemporary art revolution. This dynamic shift has been shaped by a younger generation of artists, the return of signiﬁcant artifacts, government initiatives, and a burgeoning international interest in African art.

Cultural Roots: A Rich Artistic Legacy

Benin’s artistic heritage has long been tied to the Benin Empire, known for its sophisticated bronze casting techniques and intricate sculptures. The infamous looting of the Benin Bronzes during the British Expedition of 1897 resulted in these treasures being scattered in museums worldwide, creating a signiﬁcant gap in Benin’s art history. However, recent efforts to return these artifacts have sparked renewed interest in Benin’s artistic legacy.

a ballad of west african heritage

‘Bank or Economy: Inﬂation’ by

Meschac Gaba

The return of several of these bronzes in 2021 and 2022, including from museums in Germany and France, has had a profound impact on the country. As these historical pieces return home, they are being recontextualized alongside modern creations, forming a bridge between the past and the present.

The Emerging Contemporary Scene

Today, Benin's art scene is ﬂourishing with a new wave of contemporary artists drawing on their rich cultural heritage while addressing modern-day themes. This movement has been led by artists like Romuald Hazoumè, whose works explore issues of identity, history, and post-colonialism through diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, and photography. Hazoumè, known for his use of discarded materials,

has gained international acclaim for his installations that critique consumerism and environmental destruction.

Another notable ﬁgure is Emo de Medeiros, a Beninese-French artist who blends traditional African art forms with cutting-edge digital technology. His works explore the intersections of identity, migration, and globalization, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art in West Africa. His "Vodunaut" series, for instance, merges spiritual elements from Benin’s Vodun religion with futuristic themes, creating a unique narrative that connects the ancient and the modern.

Government Initiatives, International Collaboration

The government of Benin, recognizing the potential of art as a driver of tourism and cultural diplomacy, has

‘Rat Singer’, a sculpture by Romuald Hazoumè

A ‘Vodunaut’ work by Emo de Medeiros

A Beninois bronze work

launched initiatives to promote contemporary art. President Patrice Talon’s administration has taken steps to restore Benin’s artistic glory by supporting local artists and investing in cultural infrastructure. This includes the development of the Museum of the Ephemeral, a mobile exhibition space aimed at bringing contemporary art to rural communities across the country.

International collaborations have also played a crucial role in boosting Benin’s art scene. Partnerships with global institutions like the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the British Museum have facilitated cultural exchanges, while residencies and exhibitions abroad have given Beninese artists a global platform. One such collaboration, the "Benin Dialogues" project, involves Western museums and Beninese authorities working

together to foster a shared understanding of Benin’s artistic history and future.

Art and Society: Addressing Current Issues

Benin’s contemporary artists are not just creating for the sake of aesthetics; their work is deeply engaged with social, political, and environmental issues. Many of them tackle the legacies of colonialism, globalization, and the environmental crisis. For instance, Meschac Gaba, another leading contemporary artist, critiques Western perceptions of African art through installations like his "Museum of Contemporary African Art," which blurs the lines between art, economics, and identity.

President Talon & President Macron viewing Beninois art

Nathanael Vodouhe

Dominique Zinkpè

Gaba’s work often focuses on the commodiﬁcation of African culture and challenges the traditional museum model, creating spaces where African art can be viewed on its own terms rather than through a colonial lens. His installations often invite viewer interaction, making the audience part of the artwork itself, thus fostering a dialogue around the role of museums in preserving and presenting African art.

The Role of Art Festivals

Art festivals have become key events in promoting Benin’s contemporary art on the global stage. The Biennale of Contemporary African Art (Dak'Art) in Senegal and other regional festivals regularly feature Beninese artists, highlighting their contributions to the broader African art movement. These festivals provide artists with a platform to showcase their work to inter-

national audiences and engage with global art trends.

In particular, the upcoming Ouidah Art and Culture Festival, which will take place in the historic city of Ouidah, promises to be a landmark event for Benin’s art scene. This festival, centered around the theme of "Return to the Roots," will celebrate both traditional and contemporary art forms, providing a space for dialogue between artists, historians, and the general public.

Benin's Art Market on the Rise

As Beninese contemporary art gains recognition, the art market in the country is also starting to thrive. Local

Scenes from Dak’Art

Chloé Quenum

‘Wig Towers’ By Meschac Gaba

galleries, such as Galerie Le Centre and Fondation Zinsou, are becoming hubs for showcasing contemporary talent. Fondation Zinsou, in particular, has played a pioneering role in promoting contemporary art through its exhibitions, educational programs, and publications. Its work has been instrumental in cultivating a new generation of art collectors in Benin, as well as attracting international buyers.

The increasing number of art auctions featuring African artists, both within the continent and abroad, also signals growing interest in Benin’s contemporary art. Sales of works by Beninese artists have soared at prestigious auctions in Paris and London, reﬂecting the rising value of African contemporary art on the global stage.

A Bright Future for Benin’s Art Scene

Benin’s contemporary art scene is experiencing a renaissance, driven by a new generation of artists who are unafraid to challenge conventions and explore complex themes. With the return of the Benin Bronzes, government support, and international collaboration, Benin is reclaiming its position as a cultural powerhouse in West Africa.

As the world’s interest in African contemporary art continues to grow, Benin is poised to become a key player in the global art scene, offering a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and social commentary that resonates far beyond its borders.

Scenes from The Ouidah Art & Culture Festival

Marie-Cécile Zinsou, President of the Zinsou Foundation

Fondation Zinsou

Discovering the Sacred Forests of Casamance

Casamance, located in southern Senegal, is often referred to as one of West Africa’s hidden gems. Its sacred forests are an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Jola people, who have inhabited this region for centuries. These forests are not only places of spiritual signiﬁcance but also hubs of biodiversity, providing sanctuary to rare plant species and wildlife.

For travellers interested in ecotourism, the forests of Casamance offer a unique blend of cultural and environmental exploration. Local guides,

The Sacred Forest of Casamance

many of whom are knowledgeable in the traditions and rituals associated with these sacred spaces, offer immersive tours that take visitors deep into the heart of this mystical land.

This September, Casamance will host an annual cultural festival where the Jola people celebrate their heritage through storytelling, music, and dance within the sacred groves. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to witness the convergence of nature and culture.

Secret Initiation in The Sacred Forests of Casamance

Kankurang Festival of Janjanbureh

Above: The NABSW group

Janjanbureh, a town on The Gambia’s eastern riverbank, is set to host its annual Kankurang Festival this month. The Kankurang masquerade tradition, which is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, is deeply rooted in Mandinka culture and is an important part of initiation rituals.

During the festival, colourful masked ﬁgures parade through the streets, performing dances and rituals meant to protect the community from harm and evil spirits. The Kankurang also symbolises the passage of boys into manhood, making it a key cultural event for the Mandinka people.

For visitors, the Kankurang Festival offers a vibrant and colourful display of The Gambia’s living traditions. Coupled with the town’s scenic river views and rich history as a former British colony, Janjanbureh is a fascinating destination for culture and history enthusiasts.

$2,866 per person double occupancy single supplement: $1,135 from

Panafest 2025

With Togo & Benin

July 28th - August 9th

Embark on an enriching 13-day journey through Ghana, Togo, and Benin, delving into the rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions of West Africa. This tour, centered around the Panafest celebrations, offers an immersive experience with a focus on the region's poignant history and colorful traditions. Participants will explore bustling cities, ancient castles, traditional villages, and vibrant markets, while also engaging in a unique private Voodoo ceremony in Benin.

Highlights

Accra City Tour Discover Ghana's capital with visits to the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, Independence Square, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Slave Dungeon Experience Visit the infamous Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, poignant reminders of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Panafest Celebration Participate in the moving Reverential Night, candlelight processions, and the Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso.

Kumasi City Tour Explore the Ashanti Kingdom with visits to the Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia Market, and Ashanti craft villages.

Living Heritage Ceremony Engage in a traditional naming ceremony at Torgorme Village.

Lome City Tour Enjoy an insightful tour through the capital city of Togo. Be enthralled by the different sights that have shaped and contributed to part of the cultural heritage of the country.

Voodoo Festival Experience a private Voodoo festival in Benin, witnessing traditional rituals and dances.

• Accommodation in 3 to 5-star hotels

• Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners

• All entry fees as per itinerary

• Professional tour guide and licensed chauffeur

• Air-conditioned transportation

$2,287 per person double occupancy from Panafest With Atonement Panafest In Ghana

$2,626 per person double occupancy from

For more information and bookings, contact us at: Email: travelafrica@landtours.com