The Ivorian music scene is gearing up to pulse with a major event. Ruth Tafébé, a talented voice of contemporary afropop, is celebrating her official exit from residency as an incubated artist of MASA Lab. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 3 PM at Yelam’s in Treichville, where she will unveil her album Passage in preview.
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!
