Ibadan, Nigeria — From 25–29 August 2025, the city of Ibadan became the epicenter of cultural preparation as Arts Connect Africa (ACA), in collaboration with the MASA Performing Arts Festival and Conference, the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, the Spanish Cooperation Office, and Ckrowd, successfully delivered a five-day intensive workshop designed to prepare Nigerian artists for the prestigious MASA 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The workshop specifically targeted traditional musicians specializing in indigenous genres, such as Fuji, Apala, Sakara, and Juju, with the intention of equipping them for global placement and visibility. Participants engaged in a dynamic program covering international touring, cultural diplomacy, cross-cultural collaboration, festival programming, and artistic sustainability within global contexts.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Valentina Zanelli, Programme Manager at MASA and lead facilitator of the workshop, stated:
“Nigeria’s traditional genres are not just heritage; they are contemporary forces that deserve a place in today’s global circuits. Through this workshop, we are building the bridge between local excellence and international opportunities, ensuring that artists are fully prepared to showcase their talent on the MASA stage and beyond.”
The five-day training featured impactful sessions from international experts, including representatives from the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, who shared invaluable market intelligence, mentorship, and professional insights with the artists.
For the organizers, the workshop is more than just preparation for MASA 2026; it is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s traditional music heritage claims its space within international cultural markets, creating opportunities for growth, touring, and global collaboration.
The MASA Performing Arts Festival and Conference, scheduled for April 2026 in Abidjan, remains one of Africa’s largest platforms for the performing arts, convening artists, cultural managers, festival curators, and policymakers from around the world. With this workshop, Nigerian traditional artists are better positioned not only to participate but to thrive on this international stage.
