SICA 2026: the 20th edition returns to Cotonou
The SICA Festival, the African Cultural Integration Stars, will hold its 20th edition from November 9 to 15, 2026 in Cotonou. Twenty-seven countries are invited for a week of musical competition, concerts and gala, after five travelling editions on the continent.
A festival with a ceremony of awards
The SICA, led by Golden International Promotion and its President Alli Wassi, aka "Sissy", competes African artists in two categories, "Afro Ethnic Music" and "Urban Music". An international jury awards more than seven trophies; the final score combines live performance and public vote.
The return to Benin after five travelling editions
Guinea-Conakry in 2019, Burundi in 2022, Cameroon in 2023, Gabon in 2024, Equatorial Guinea in 2025: the 20th edition marks the return of the festival to Cotonou, with 27 invited countries. Five Guinean artists are competing; Chad aligns Jethsonat in Afro-ethnic music.
Practical information
SICA Festival — 20th edition · Monday 9 to Sunday 15 November 2026 · Cotonou (Benin)
Official website: festivalsica.com
— Moïse 1er, the Festival Explorer