At CAPACOA, we help bring international opportunities to presenters and artists by participating in international engagements that build meaningful connections across the globe.
In this issue of Notes From the Road, Alfie Caxaj-Ruiz, Programming Assistant at Sunfest, offers a glimpse into the Abidjan African Arts and Performance Market (MASA) and highlights the work of Oumy N’Diaye.
Alfie’s Reflection
| Hello all, This past April, I arrived at my second MASA. First one was back in 2024, and what an experience it was! It was also my first time in Africa and it was absolutely spectacular. The energy and culture is something that takes you aback. Cote D’ivore you have my heart. First year was a little intimidating as it’s a really big multidisciplinary market, which made it a great experience! Not only was I able to discover great music, in addition I discovered some dance, theatre, circus and slam (which I never knew existed)! That’s the beauty of MASA; it’s a melting pot of African culture and has lots to offer. This year I found myself ready to explore! Now knowing how to navigate the market grounds, as well as the city of Abidjan. It was time to reconnect and continue to make those connections. There are delegates from all over the world. You find yourself meeting new people all the time, and maybe not necessarily in your discipline. That’s the beauty of networking. The plan now is how do we continue to grow the connections and partner up on continuing to bring the rich sounds of Africa to Canada. Sunfest has always been a leader in exploring the world and bringing it not only to London, Ontario but across Canada. It was great to share this experience with fellow Canadians. This ended up enhancing our global network and potentially creating the space for future collaborations. Of course the essence of this journey was to get to know many musical expressions from the African diaspora. Walking the festival grounds, listening to new sounds that your ear would gravitate to. The B2Bs were a great way to connect with the artists and to learn about their music! Exploring the possibilities of being able to collaborate hopefully one day together. Sunfest has been a leading music organization in bringing many artists from the African continent for many years. MASA once again has provided me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge in the richness and diversity of African musical expression. Lastly, a huge thank you to CAPACOA in creating these opportunities for Canadian presenters to be able to experience the richness and beauty of the African diaspora through all its disciplines. It is my hope to return in the near future to experience the sounds, the food, the rhythm and the beautiful energy that Africa has to offer. |
Artist Highlight: Oumy N’Diaye
An artist that caught my ear was Oumy. She is a Senegalese singer and rapper whose afro-urban style blends hip-hop, pop and world music. Her set at one of the official showcase’s was amazing! Her energy is top notch and is on our radar to hopefully come to Sunfest and other festivals in Canada.
Alfie Caxaj-Ruiz
Programming Assistant, Sunfest
Image: Oumy performing at Yelam’s during one of the official MASA showcases
