A Show Born from Incubation

La Poupée Barbue is one of the fruits of MASA LAB, the creative support program of the first cohort financed by the French Embassy in Ivory Coast. This production will be presented at the Les Zébrures – Les Francophonies – From Writings to Performance festival.

The Show: A Rare Force of Expression

Based on the text by Cameroonian playwright Édouard Elvis Bvouma, La Poupée Barbue tells the story of the insolent lucidity of a young girl marked by refugee camps and the violence of armed conflict. It is a raw voice, infused with dark humor and tenderness, where imagination still resists the abyss. Souleymane Sow chooses restraint and the shock of presences, sculpting shifting spaces where light, music and body extend this nervous language that seems to surge from the depths of the character.

Les Zébrures: A Fine Recognition

Les Zébrures – Les Francophonies – From Writings to Performance is a major gathering for the performing arts. Held in Limoges, France from September 23 to October 3, 2026, this festival highlights the most inventive contemporary theater writings and creations. It is a wonderful recognition for Cie Tell’Arts and for the projects supported by MASA LAB.

Moving Forward and Growing

For Cie Tell’Arts, this participation confirms the relevance of our partnership. It demonstrates how artists supported by MASA transform accompaniment into living creation. Souleymane Sow and his company are embarking on a month-long European tour that will take them to France and Germany, offering audiences an opportunity to discover a singular theatrical universe, enriched by the MASA LAB experience.

To be discovered in Limoges, from September 23 to October 3, at Les Zébrures 2026.

A Journey Shaped by MASA Lab Incubation

Selected through MASA Lab—the incubation and acceleration program of the Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain (MASA) in Abidjan—Ruth Tafébé refined her unique artistic universe during this residency. Supported by the French Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire via the Fonds Équipe France (FEF), this initiative professionalizes artists, teams, and cultural operators in music, dance, and theater

Through tailored training, technical and creative support, and backing for national and international distribution, MASA Lab catapults emerging talents into the spotlight. For Ruth, this experience was pivotal: she honed afropop rhythms interwoven with traditional Ivorian influences, all carried by introspective lyrics.

Passage: An Inner Journey in 10 Unreleased Tracks

The album Passage delves into themes of inner journeys, resilience, and life’s transitions. Comprising 10 unreleased tracks, it stems from collaborations with exceptional producers. Ruth Tafébé displays remarkable artistic maturity, blending modernity and roots to craft a sound that’s both universal and deeply rooted in Ivorian identity.

This opus not only marks the end of a fruitful residency but also the dawn of a new era for the artist, ready to conquer local and international stages.

Program for a Festive and Accessible Evening

The event, free and open to the public, promises total immersion in Ruth Tafébé’s universe. Here’s what awaits attendees:

• Discover live previews of Passage‘s standout tracks.
• Engage in exclusive exchanges with the artist about her journey and inspirations.
• Celebrate her inspiring path alongside professionals, cultural partners, and fans.

This residency showcase offers a rare chance to meet a rising artist and savor the fruits of a program that spotlights African creativity.

Ruth Tafébé embodies the energy of a new generation of Ivorian artists—those bold enough to mix traditions and innovations to tell universal stories. Don’t miss this key moment in Abidjan’s cultural life—the spots will go fast!

Under the artistic direction of Cameroonian singer and producer Blick Bassy, they worked together during an artistic residency to develop nine original tracks, mixing several local languages such as Baoulé, French, and English. This artistic approach highlights the rich cultural heritage of Ivory Coast while aiming for a universal reach.

After a brilliant performance at the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of Visa For Music in Rabat, Les Perles des Lagunes are ready to captivate the Cameroonian audience once again at the Douala Music Art Festival (DOMAF), taking place in Douala from November 27 to 30, 2025. They will join a vibrant lineup mixing urban and traditional talents across several iconic neighborhoods of Douala, including Bonamoussadi, Bali, and Akwa. Their participation at DOMAF strengthens their visibility on the African stage and confirms the essential role of MASA Lab in supporting talents toward exportable artistic formats.

African music lovers are invited not to miss this exceptional show, which promises to make Douala vibrate with the energy and poetry of Les Perles des Lagunes.

, with financial backing from the French Embassy in Ivory Coast.

An Artistic Creation Under the Direction of Blick Bassy

Guided by Cameroonian singer and producer Blick Bassy, the three artists crafted an innovative stage proposal. This project combines afro-house, jazz, world music, and traditional Ivorian rhythms, aiming to promote African cultural heritage while delivering a universally appealing musical experience.

Reine Ablaa, who notably sings in Baoulé, explains:
“Our trio was born from the meeting of three different but complementary musical worlds. We worked on nine original tracks, three by each artist, which we arranged and performed together. We aim to proudly represent Ivory Coast in Morocco.

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A Unique and Unifying Musical Experience

For Jahelle Bonee, this residency was “an exceptional experience”:
“We are three Ivorian women committed to our local languages, which we blend with French and English. Under Blick Bassy’s guidance, we succeeded in creating a common thread linking our three distinct styles.

“

Ruth Tafebe highlights the importance of identity and femininity in their collaboration:
“Together, we embody the strength, diversity, and creative spirit of Ivorian women. One of my ambitions is to explore the 60 languages of our country through my songs someday.

“

A Springboard to the International Stage

The « Perles des Lagunes » will showcase their creation in November 2025 at the international event, Visa For Music

, in Rabat, Morocco, from 20 to 22 November. This event will be a pivotal moment to gain international visibility for their work.

Abou Kamaté, General Director of MASA, emphasises the significance of this project:
“[Ivorian artists are bursting with talent, but often lack the support needed to turn this talent into export-ready products. Today, the entertainment market demands streamlined formats of impeccable quality. The translate:« Perles des Lagunes »

embody this vision perfectly.]”

Through this initiative, MASA reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a new generation of artists capable of engaging globally while remaining deeply rooted in their cultural heritage.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the Maison du MASA hosted a dinner bringing together MASA Lab incubated artists, mentors, and partners, with the aim of strengthening ties and fostering collaboration.

Mentors in attendance — including Blick Bassy (mentor of Reine Ablaa), La Chica (mentor of Jahelle Bonny), David Aubaile (mentor of Ruth Tafebe), and Georges Momboye (mentor of Compagnie King’Art led by Serge Arthur Dodo) — shared their experiences and advice with the incubated artists. Sow Souleymane, an incubated artist, was awaiting his mentor to begin his residency.

Partners of MASA Lab, such as the French Embassy, MASA, the Goethe-Institut, and Yelam’s, also took part in the event, reaffirming their support for the professionalization of artists and the development of the creative industries.

This gathering was a key moment to strengthen exchanges and create professional synergies, while supporting the international mobility and development of emerging creators.