FEMUA, the Anoumabo Urban Music Festival (Festival des musiques urbaines d'Anoumabo), is Abidjan's major music festival, founded in 2008 by the group Magic System in their childhood neighborhood. Every year, in late April or early May, FEMUA Abidjan brings together about a hundred African and international artists over six days, with a stop in a town upcountry. In 2026, the 18th edition ran from April 28 to May 3; the 2027 dates had not yet been announced as of mid-October 2026.
Origins and meaning of FEMUA
Anoumabo is a working-class neighborhood in the commune of Marcory, in southern Abidjan. It is where the members of the group Magic System grew up. Their singer, A'Salfo, whose real name is Salif Traoré, launched the festival in 2008 and is still its general commissioner.
The idea was to bring big stars to the heart of a modest neighborhood, with no entry ticket. According to Burkina24, the festival “has been free and open to all since it began.” FEMUA also has a social side: each edition supports a cause, and its funds go toward building facilities. According to Fraternité Matin, the 2026 edition was to fund two schools and an orphanage, bringing the number of facilities built since the start to 17.
Each year, a theme guides the debates and workshops at FEMUA Abidjan:
| Year | Theme |
|---|---|
| 2023 | food self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture |
| 2025 | civic responsibility and road safety |
| 2026 | “Artificial intelligence: threat or opportunity for Africa?” |
What you will see at the festival
The heart of FEMUA is the National Institute of Youth and Sports (INJS) in Marcory, in Anoumabo. Music in Africa describes two areas there: the main stage, for headliners, and the more intimate Village stage, with plastic chairs, tables and maquis (open-air eateries), where young talent performs.
Around the concerts, the program has grown:
- Carrefour Jeunesse: workshops and talks with artists on careers, entrepreneurship and social media.
- FEMUA Kids: a play area for children.
- FEMUA Comedy Club: stand-up shows, held at the Institut français in Abidjan in 2026.
- Upcountry stop: one or more nights in another town, such as Bouaké in 2023, Daloa in 2025 or Dimbokro in 2026.
The lineup mixes Ivorian stars with guests from across the continent and beyond. For 2026, Fraternité Matin announced Meiway, Youssou N'Dour, Fatoumata Diawara, Black M, Didi B and Roselyne Layo among others, with Gabon as guest country of honor.
Our advice
According to Music in Africa, festivities start early in the day, and at the Village stage drinks are not sold singly, so come with friends. Try alloco (fried plantain) and attiéké with grilled fish at the maquis on site.
FEMUA Abidjan dates and venues
The festival is usually held between mid-April and mid-May. The general commission announces the dates a few months ahead: in January for the 2025 edition, in March for 2026.
| Edition | Dates | Venues and guests |
|---|---|---|
| 15th (2023) | April 25 to 30 | Abidjan and Bouaké, Togo as guest of honor |
| 16th (2024) | May 14 to 19 | Abidjan, with Gims and Yemi Alade |
| 17th (2025) | April 15 to 20 | Abidjan, closing at the Daloa stadium |
| 18th (2026) | April 28 to May 3 | Abidjan and Dimbokro, Gabon as guest of honor |
For 2027, follow the festival's official page and the Ivorian press, such as Fraternité Matin.
Attending
Entry requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa: you apply online on the official SNEDAI website, and the visa is then printed at Abidjan airport. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. Check your case on our Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements page.
Admission. According to the press, the concerts are free. Some side events, such as the Comedy Club, may have their own conditions, so ask on site.
Getting there. Marcory is close to Félix-Houphouët-Boigny airport and the city center. Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to get back at night, and keep doors locked and windows up, as France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) recommends.
Where to stay. Marcory, Zone 4 and the Plateau are convenient. Book ahead, as the city is very lively during the festival.
Watch out
According to France Diplomatie, Abidjan is under heightened vigilance. The ministry advises against going alone at night in Adjamé, Yopougon, Abobo and Gonzagueville, staying alert when leaving a maquis or an ATM, and keeping away from crowd surges. The northern border with Mali and Burkina Faso is formally advised against.
Check your own government's travel advice too. For the rest of your stay, read our Côte d'Ivoire guide and the other festivals in Côte d'Ivoire, including Abissa in Grand-Bassam.
Frequently asked questions
Is FEMUA really free?
Yes, for the concerts: according to Burkina24, the festival has been free and open to all since it began in 2008. Just budget for transportation, drinks and meals.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy FEMUA?
Not for the music, but debates and announcements are mostly in French. In the streets of Anoumabo you will also hear Nouchi, Abidjan's slang.
Can I bring children?
Yes, there is a FEMUA Kids area for them. Still, avoid the area around the main stage at peak times, and agree on a meeting point.
