The 13th Edition of the Abidjan Performing Market (MASA) 2024 kicked off on April 13, with a vibrant celebration of African performing arts, with Rwanda taking centre stage as the "Country of Honor" and "Urukerereza", the National Ballet performing during the opening ceremony in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Slated for April 13 to 20, Abidjan played host to this prestigious cultural event, drawing artists and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.
Held under the theme of 'Youth, Innovation, and Employment', MASA 2024, is a cultural platform promoting African Performing Arts. Its goals include supporting creativity and quality productions, facilitating artist mobility, training professionals, and promoting African Performing Arts.
Among the 32 countries in attendance, Rwanda represented by National Ballet Urukerereza,the theatre team, and the head of the delegation Sandrine Umutoni, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, stood out as the distinguished 'Country of Honor', following in the footsteps of Canada, the previous honoree.
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During the event, Minister Umutoni expressed gratitude for the invitation as 'Country of Honor' to the African Performing Arts Market of Abidjan, on behalf of the Rwandan government. She particularly saluted the friendship and cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and Rwanda, which is a mark of the growing common commitment to south-south partnerships.
She said: "Celebrating 30 years of MASA, is a milestone in the chronicles of African arts, which highlights the unwavering bond of culture, uniting our entire continent, while creating bridges with the rest of the world."
Umutoni highlighted that Rwanda's reconstruction story underscores the transformative influence of arts and culture, especially after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As the nation embarked on socio-economic development and reconciliation, it turned to its cultural heritage and creativity as catalysts for healing wounded hearts and bodies, while promoting national unity.
"Indeed, the healing power of the arts has played an instrumental role in Rwanda's rebirth, providing comfort, release, and optimism to communities affected by past traumas," she noted.
She added, "This week, marking the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, we once again recognize the importance of the living arts, including music, theater, dance, and many others, to preserve the memory of the victims, honor the courage of survivors, and testify to our resilience. As we look to the future, we recognize the indispensable role of arts and culture in Rwanda's economic progress, as envisioned in our strategic roadmap, Vision 2050."
"Let's reaffirm our commitment to the arts, celebrate our common heritage, and leverage the transformative potential of the performing arts. Let's empower youth to shape a world where creativity flourishes and raise awareness for a more inclusive and equitable future," she urged.
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Notably, in 2016, Rwanda's cultural and creative industries (CCI) represented 5.3 per cent of gross domestic product. This contribution exceeds the regional average of 1.1 per cent as well as the 3 per cent share of the United States and the European Union.
In particular, performances by Urukerereza troupe showcased several performances highlighting Rwandan culture, including 'Ikinimba', 'Igishakamba', 'Guhamiriza' (Warrior dance), and 'Imishyayayo', and more at the event.
The men performed a vigorous warrior dance with props, while the women presented an elegant ballet with graceful arm movements and provided the first performance of the opening fresco of this edition.
Other Rwandan performers including Dorcy Rugamba: Tour Director, Roman Kanobana: Sound/Light Engineer at Isaano Management, Actors: Arnaud Kanyankore Mucyo, Léon Athanase Mandali, Michael Sengazi, Patrick Ahimbazwe, Marie Viatora Weya: Actress, Jules César Niyonkuru: Director and Timothee Ntabanganyimana: Visual Arts Curator.