Celebrating 35 years of musical adventure

The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique celebrates 35 years of entertainment and musical discovery from July 6 to 18, 2021. A completely new experience will be offered at indoor and outdoor venues, as well as online. This anniversary edition will take the public through the fabulous history of the Festival and of its many artists from Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America.

13 Days of Festivities
For 13 days, some 100 artists will be reconnecting with audiences at 18 indoor concerts held at the National, the Ministère and the Club Balattou. Featuring: Dina Levry, Blaise Labamba, Clerel, Juliet Nelson, Trio Kora, Bumaranga, and El Son Sono. Two major online special concerts will be added to this program, on the opening and closing nights, with international artists who have marked the 35 years of Nuits d’Afrique.

Opening night live from Paris
Le Bal de l’Afrique enchantée – Nuits d’Afrique special anniversary
Tuesday, July 6, at 8 pm on the Nuits d’Afrique Facebook page

Between 2006 and 2015, uncles Soro Solo and Vladimir Cagnolari, a trifle rebellious and full of spirit, accompanied by their niece Hortense Volle, hosted the mythical radio show ‘‘L’Afrique Enchantée’’ on France Inter. More than a musical show, ‘‘L’Afrique enchantée’’ was a true chronicle of Africa, its effervescence its cultural wealth and even its failings.
This popular show has been transposed to the live stage, led by Les Mercenaires de l’ambiance, a dancing machine of 11 versatile musicians and singers that will take their audiences on a journey across the African continent through the many musical styles of various countries and eras. From Ghanaian “highlife” to Congolese rumba or Nigerian Afro-beat, giving music lovers an opportunity to get to know the myriad of rhythms and enchanting stories emanating from Africa.
Hosts and musicians will be back on stage to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their Nuits d’Afrique friends, with the humour, pertinence and affection for the African continent that they are known for.
It’s going to rock! A great celebration to the beat of Africa’s greatest hits.

Anniversary closing night – outstanding moments from Nuits d’Afrique
Sunday, July 18, at 8 pm, on the Nuits d’Afrique Facebook page

For this 35th edition, the Festival is preparing an extra-special anniversary closing night.
Drawing on its audiovisual archives with their invaluable musical treasures, the Festival team has come up with rare nuggets, memorable moments and outstanding encounters. With the magic of the web, festivalgoers will be delighted to see or re-see artists who were introduced to the North American public during their performances at the Festival.

Quartier des Spectacles, July 13 to 18
This year, festivalgoers will again celebrate in the open air, on the Parterre of the Quartier des Spectacles. For six days, starting July 13 to 18, 2021, new features and free activities will be available for the whole family. During the day, the site will be turned into an oasis of enjoyment and discovery. Beneath the big top of the Cabaret Nuits d’Afrique, festivalgoers will experience special moments with artists during intimate concerts, demonstrations and animation sessions. They can also take part in open-air workshops, for the pleasure of sharing passion and joie de vivre.

Each evening, starting at dusk, the open-air site will be transformed by a stunning sound and light show followed by memorable concerts of major artists projected on the façade of Maison Symphonique.

To see the full list of concerts and purchase your tickets visit: www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com