Ségou'Art, the Festival on the Niger (Festival sur le Niger), is a festival of music, contemporary art and crafts held every year in early February in Ségou, on the banks of the Niger River in central Mali. It combines huge concerts on the riverbank, a contemporary art fair and a large trade fair. The next edition is announced for February 1 to 6, 2027, on the theme “Culture, Education and Creativity.”
Watch out
France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) strongly advises against all travel to Mali, for any reason, and rules out road travel outside Bamako, which includes the trip to Ségou. Since September 10, 2026, France has urged its nationals still in the country to leave. This page describes the festival; it does not recommend going.
Origins and meaning of the Festival on the Niger
The festival was born in the mid-2000s in Ségou, at the initiative of Mamou Daffé and several of the town's hoteliers. It started as a three-day cultural event. Its founder makes no secret that the original goal was also economic.
The aim at first was to build a loyal clientele for the hotels.
The festival grew quickly. In 2009 a foundation was created to make it last and to develop cultural activity in Ségou. According to the foundation's profile on the documenta Kassel website, it helped slow the exodus of Ségou's artists to Bamako. The foundation also trains young artists and cultural entrepreneurs.
The name Ségou'Art marks the addition of a contemporary art fair to the festival's music and traditions. Mamou Daffé has since become Mali's minister of culture.
What you see at the festival
According to the foundation's website, the festival usually brings together:
- huge concerts on the bank of the Niger River;
- a contemporary art fair, the core of the Ségou'Art format;
- theater, dance and traditional performances;
- workshops, talks and a symposium;
- the Ségou Fair, a showcase for crafts, held alongside since 2005;
- the Cultural Caravan for Peace.
Events take place at the Quai des Arts, on the riverbank, and at the Kôrè cultural center, which houses a media library named after Cheikh Anta Diop, according to Malikonews. In 2026 the Ségou symposium focused on the theme “Cultural Renaissance and Sovereignty.”
Dates and venues
| Edition | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 20th (2024) | January 30 to February 4 | the festival's 20th anniversary |
| 21st (2025) | February 4 to 9 | “Cultural Diversity, Peace and Unity” |
| 22nd (2026) | February 3 to 8 | the link between creativity and education |
| 2027 | February 1 to 6 | “Culture, Education and Creativity” |
For 2027 the Ségou Fair is announced a little earlier, from January 30 to February 6. Entry to the concerts is by wristband: in 2024 a presale price of 9,000 CFA francs was offered. Prices for 2027 had not been published as of mid-October 2026.
Should you go?
No, not in the current situation. All of Mali is a red zone for France Diplomatie, and Ségou is reached by road from Bamako, which France Diplomatie rules out because of attacks and explosive devices. The kidnapping risk is high across the country. A festival that draws tens of thousands of people is also the kind of gathering to avoid. Also check your own government's travel advice.
Watch out
If you are already in Mali, follow your embassy's instructions, register with your government (French citizens use Ariane) and arrange your departure on the commercial flights still available.
For the record, from France the visa can only be obtained at Mali's consulates in Paris or Lyon, by appointment, with no visa available on arrival. Check your own case depending on your nationality and place of residence. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. See our Mali entry requirements page, our Mali guide and the calendar of festivals in Mali.
Frequently asked questions
Are Ségou'Art and the Festival on the Niger the same event?
Yes. Ségou'Art is the current name of the Festival on the Niger, which added a contemporary art fair to its concerts and traditions.
When is the festival?
Every year in early February. The 2027 edition is announced for February 1 to 6, and the fair for January 30 to February 6.
Can you follow the festival remotely?
The festival posts its announcements on its foundation's website. That is the safest way to follow the program without traveling.
