In Yanfolila, Oumou Sangaré's FIWA makes the Wassoulou heart beat
The Festival International du Wassoulou (FIWA), founded in 2016 by Oumou Sangaré in her home region, joins the Festival TV catalogue. Free and popular, it turns Yanfolila, in southern Mali, into a capital of Mandingo music.
A diva's festival, for her homeland
It all began with a request: from the young people of the Wassoulou, who wanted a festival worthy of their culture. Oumou Sangaré, a daughter of the region who became one of Africa's greatest voices, founded it in 2016 in Yanfolila. Three days of music, dance, theatre and crafts, all free of charge.
A 2023 edition to remember
The 6th edition, held March 3–5, 2023, featured a night dedicated to Ali Farka Touré, performed by his former musicians of the Ali Farka Touré Band, and a much-noted duet between Oumou Sangaré and rapper Djoss Saramani. Their performances, filmed by Mali-Online TV, can be watched on the festival's page and in our On Stage feed.
FIWA — Festival International du Wassoulou, Yanfolila (Mali). 9th edition held February 12–14, 2026; next edition expected in February 2027.
Official page: facebook.com/FIWA-FESTIVAL-INTERNATIONAL-DU-WASSULU
— Moïse 1er, the Festival Explorer