PANAF 9: MAA BIO SETS CHARLEROI ON FIRE!
Some posters set the tone before the first note is even played. PANAF 9's is one of them: “CÔTE D'IVOIRE OUT IN FORCE AT PANAF 9.” On October 14, the festival unveiled one of its most eagerly awaited guests: Maa Bio, Ivorian artist and influencer, is heading to Charleroi “to set the place on fire.” And when you know the energy of Belgium's African diaspora, you know that is no empty promise.
PANAF — Sharing African Culture — is no first-timer. Born in Brussels, where its very first edition already brought together names like Awadi and Instinct Killers, the festival led by DJ Prod has grown, over nine editions, into one of Europe's major gatherings for African culture and music. Concerts, a forum and exhibitions: here, an entire culture is shared, not just a lineup. Guinean music holds a special place at its heart, surrounded by every colour of the continent and its diaspora — a festival created by the diaspora, open to everyone who loves Africa in celebration.
For this 9th edition, the weekend comes in two stages. On Friday, October 30, 2026, the party starts in Brussels with the Panaf Village night, from 10 p.m. The next day, Saturday, October 31, it's off to the Dôme de Charleroi, on Rue Pige aux Groly, for the concerts from 8 p.m. And what a lineup! Headlining, Saifond — Saïfond Baldé — alongside Sidiki Diabaté, Maa Bio, AB 6ylla, King Boss Laj, Doura Yzzy, Tiranké Sidimé, Goulam and Mr Barry. A lineup that says everything about the festival's ambition: to make Charleroi, for one night, a capital of African music, where a whole generation of artists gathers in Belgium.
Saïfond Baldé's concert at PANAF was hosted by Moïse 1er.
So, Ivorians, make some noise, as the festival urges. And everyone else too: on October 31, Charleroi speaks African, dances African and celebrates African. See you there?
— Moïse 1er, the Festival Explorer