ECOWAS celebrates emerging talent at MASA 2024, awards young artists for cultural contributions

In a celebration of burgeoning artistic talent in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bestowed prestigious awards upon two young artists at the closing ceremony of the 13th Arts Market Abidjan Show (MASA) 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on April 20, 2024.

The ECOWAS Awards, totaling $5,000, were presented to the region’s most promising young comedian and slam poet, aiming to champion artistic creativity among youth while fostering integration, social cohesion, and cultural development.

H.E. Fanta Cissé, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, underscored the organization’s commitment to nurturing cultural industries and supporting the professional growth of artists during the award ceremony.

MASA 2024 marked ECOWAS’s fourth consecutive participation in awarding prizes in these categories, further demonstrating its dedication to advancing the region’s cultural landscape. The winners, selected by a transparent jury process, represent the pinnacle of emerging talent in West Africa.

The recipient of the Best Young Comedian Award, Bappa Oumar from the Republic of Guinea, captivated audiences with his performance titled “The Foreigner.” Meanwhile, Nin’wlou from Cote d’Ivoire clinched the Best Young Slammer Award for his compelling show, “La Marche du Feu.”

ECOWAS’s substantial contribution to MASA’s organization underscores its commitment to utilizing arts and culture as tools for promoting regional peace and integration. This initiative not only recognizes individual talent but also celebrates the rich cultural diversity that defines West Africa’s artistic landscape.