Music

Jazz à Ouaga

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
West Africa

About

One of West Africa's oldest jazz festivals, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It brings together African and international jazz musicians for a week of performances, workshops, and cultural exchange.

History

Started in 1992 by Guy Maurette, then director of the French Cultural Centre in Ouagadougou, together with a collective of jazz lovers. Initially spread over two to four weeks, the festival later adopted a one‑week format and gradually expanded to other cities such as Bobo‑Dioulasso and Koudougou, becoming one of Africa’s oldest and most respected jazz festivals.

Cultural Significance

By promoting jazz and world music as tools for dialogue and integration, it contributes to social cohesion, artistic training, and the international visibility of Burkina Faso’s music scene.