“Culture, Music, Dance and the Treasures of Burkina Faso”
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“Cultural Exchange in the Land of Upright People – A unique celebration of African culture and traditions in Ouagadougou.”
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“An extraordinary cultural journey in the Land of Upright People, celebrating Africa’s rich traditions in Ouagadougou.”
🔥 Organized Trips 2025 – 2026 🔥
December 23 – January 6 → 14-day trip December 2025 – January 2026 (Grande Madre Africa Festival)
January 5 – 19 → 14-day trip
April 2025
April 2 – 12 → 10-day trip
August 2025 (two options)
August 1 – 14 → 14-day trip
August 15 – 30 → 14-day trip
Experience the Beating Heart of West Africa
In Burkina Faso, music is not just an art—it is a language that unites; dance is not just a performance—it is an expression of the soul.
Every gesture, every rhythm, and every smile tell an ancient tradition that still lives, moves, and welcomes today.
We invite you to experience an authentic journey of cultural exchange, learning, and personal transformation, guided by artists, musicians, dancers, and masters of Burkinabé tradition.
A total immersion in local culture: artistic workshops, celebrations, nature excursions, and genuine moments of sharing with local communities.
A Journey for the Heart and Spirit
This journey was born from a dream: to share the soul of Africa, build bridges between cultures, and create experiences that go beyond tourism—true inner journeys.
Seydou Kienou, musician, master of the Djembé, and griot, will guide you through his homeland.
You won’t just visit extraordinary places: you will live them, listen to them, and dance them.
What Awaits You
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Three events every year: unique experiences of dance, music, and culture in Burkina Faso.
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Comfortable accommodations and traditional meals prepared with local ingredients.
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Exclusive cultural events featuring artists from the Burkinabé music scene.
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Excursions to discover landscapes, ethnic groups, and local traditions.
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Participation in traditional celebrations under the magical African full moon.
A Journey Beyond Tourism
Experience Burkina Faso without boundaries: interact with the community, savor traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in its warm hospitality.
Here, the sharing of festivities symbolizes tolerance: Christians, Muslims, believers, and non-believers sit at the same table in harmony and serenity.
Kindness, hospitality, respect, and solidarity will be the guiding thread of a journey that touches both heart and soul.
My Invitation
I want to give you a piece of my land, Burkina Faso, a piece of my heart and my life.
I will guide you on a path of music, dance, and meaningful encounters: participate in workshops and concerts with renowned artists, explore villages and cities, and experience moments of celebration and sharing.
An experience that does not just show Africa… but allows you to live it in every heartbeat.
💃 African Dance – Rhythm, Energy, Harmony
African dance is a practice that connects body, mind, and spirit.
It is not just choreography, but a narration: every step tells a myth, a ritual, a collective emotion.
During your stay, you will take part in daily workshops, guided by Burkinabè masters and accompanied by live music played with traditional instruments.
What You Will Experience:
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Traditional and Afro-contemporary dance
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Classes for all levels (beginners, intermediate, advanced)
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Sessions accompanied by live percussion
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Local teachers with international experience
Every movement is a call to the essence of life: you will breathe Africa through dance.
🥁 African Percussions – The Heartbeat of the Earth
The percussion workshop will lead you into the rhythmic heart of West Africa, through instruments filled with history and meaning.
Instruments:
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Djembe – the talking drum
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Dundun, Sangban, Kenkeni – the bass drums of the Manding culture
You Will Learn:
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Basic and advanced techniques
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The origin of rhythms and their ritual function
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The sense of time and collective listening
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Building sound as a spiritual experience
In Africa, percussion is not just music: it is dialogue, it is identity, it is vital energy. Alive and powerful.
🎼 Ngoni, Kora, Balafon, Flute – The Voices of Tradition
You will take part in hands-on workshops on traditional instruments of the Griot culture:
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Ngoni – the harp-lute of the storytellers
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Balafon – ancestor of the xylophone
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Kora – the majestic 21-string harp
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African Flute – the spirit of the wind
These instruments have been played for centuries during rituals, ceremonies, and popular celebrations.
Learning them is like entering an oral sound library.
Each lesson is a step towards a deeper understanding of a culture.
African Singing Workshops – The Spoken Song of the Griots
African singing is collective memory, identity, and medicine for the soul.
In our workshops, you will learn to use your voice as a ritual instrument under the guidance of local griots – the keepers of stories and emotions.
Singing in Africa is a sacred act. It is a way to evoke ancestors, celebrate life, and share one’s humanity.
— A living and vibrant tradition.
🛠️ Drum-Making Workshop – Create Your Own Instrument
A rare opportunity: you will build a traditional drum with your own hands, following the artisanal techniques of Burkinabè masters.
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Selection of wood and hide
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Rope tensioning
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Hand finishing
A unique object that will become the tangible symbol of your experience.
Daily Schedule
8:30 – 10:00: Djembé (beginners & advanced)
10:00 – 11:30: Dance (beginners & advanced)
11:30 – 13:00: Bass drums
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch
14:30 – 16:00: Balafon & Ngoni (separate lessons at the same time)
16:00 – 18:00: Dance (intermediate/advanced)
18:00 – 19:30: Djembé (advanced/solo level)
20:00: Ethnic dinner
8:30 – 10:00: Djembé (beginners & advanced)
10:00 – 11:30: Dance (beginners & advanced)
11:30 – 13:00: Bass Drums
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch
14:30 – 16:00: Balafon & Ngoni (separate lessons at the same time)
16:00 – 18:00: Dance (intermediate/advanced)
18:00 – 19:30: Djembé (advanced/solo level)
20:00: Ethnic Dinner
As a follow-up to the activity, each participant will also have the opportunity to join the optional Drum-Making Workshop.
Cultural and Artistic Journey Workshop in Burkina Faso
🎶 African Dance, Percussion & Singing
10-day course – open to all levels
Explore:
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Traditional African dance
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Djembé & Doundoum
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Ngoni, Kora, Balafon & Flute
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Traditional and improvised singing
📆 Schedule: 2 lessons per day, 1h30 each (total 30 hours)
🚗 Transportation: Included
💰 Course fee: €300 per person
👥 Group offer: For a group of 10 participants, 1 spot is free (total €4,230)
📍 Available periods: April, August, December/January (14 days)
🌍 Excursions included: Laongo, Tiebelé, Bazoulé, Nazinga
🎟️ Excursions cost: €170
🔚 Total for 14 days (lessons + excursions): €470 per person
Come with us to discover the beating heart of West Africa: Burkina Faso.
An authentic journey through vibrant cities, traditional villages, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient legends. A unique experience, full of encounters, sounds, colors, and heritage.
Discovering Ouagadougou: History, Culture, and Craftsmanship
The morning will be dedicated to exploring the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, with unmissable stops:
Ouagadougou Cathedral
An architectural and spiritual icon of the city, a place full of charm and history.
Ouagadougou Craft Village
A vibrant center where local artisans create and sell unique works. Here you can admire and purchase:
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Wooden sculptures
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Traditional fabrics
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Handmade ceramics
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Unique jewelry
Immersive Experience
The village often hosts live demonstrations and events, allowing visitors to closely observe artisanal techniques and interact directly with local artists.
A unique opportunity to get to know Burkinabé culture up close and take home an authentic piece of Africa!
Visit to the Open-Air Museum of Laongo
For 29 years, numerous African and international artists have contributed to this extraordinary space.
The Laongo Open-Air Museum: Art Carved into Nature
In the heart of Burkina Faso lies a truly unique place: the Laongo Open-Air Museum, an exceptional fusion of art and nature.
A Collective Work of Creativity
Founded in the late 1980s by Burkinabé artist Ky Siriky, the museum today hosts over 400 granite sculptures created by artists from around the world. Every two years, thanks to the International Sculpture Symposium, new masterpieces come to life, inspired by universal themes such as:
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Love Environment PowernThe role of women Art that Connects Peoples
The Laongo Museum is not just an exhibition of monumental sculptures, but also a meeting point between cultures. In 2018, for example, it welcomed 17 artists from Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, the United States, and France, creating an artistic bridge between different traditions and visions.
An Unmissable Experience
Spanning approximately 10 hectares, this open-air museum is one of Burkina Faso’s most fascinating attractions. The National Tourism Office organizes guided tours, giving visitors the chance to explore this extraordinary gallery immersed in nature.
Come experience the art of Laongo and be inspired by the timeless beauty of sculpted granite!
The story of elephants in Burkina Faso is one of challenges and hope, highlighting the importance of conservation and coexistence between humans and nature. The elephant of Burkina Faso is a symbol of the region’s wildlife and represents a part of Africa’s rich biodiversity.
In Burkina Faso, elephants are mainly found in Nazinga National Park and Comoé National Park. Over the years, elephants in Burkina Faso have faced several challenges, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for ivory.
However, various conservation efforts have been launched to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats, such as awareness programs and population monitoring. Local communities are increasingly involved in wildlife conservation, recognizing the importance of elephants for ecotourism and ecosystem health.
The day will be dedicated to visiting the town of Tiebelé, located in the south of Burkina Faso. Here, you will find exquisite traditional architecture, hand-decorated, making this place magical and unique. While in most of the country the color is that of the natural mud used to build houses, here everything changes and bursts with color. Tiebelé has thus become a jewel not only of Burkina Faso but of the African continent.
The villages are made up of windowless houses, designed for defensive purposes and resembling miniature fortresses. The decorations feature geometric patterns, each with a symbolic meaning. These are created with natural pigments obtained from mud and plants. Women have been drawing these designs for centuries, applying them with guinea fowl quills. This technique is passed down from generation to generation.
🐊 Bazoulé – The Wisdom of the Crocodiles
Sabou and Bazoulé Lakes: Nature, Legend, and Ancestral Spirits
Just a few kilometers from Ouagadougou, Sabou and Bazoulé Lakes are home to majestic sacred crocodiles, symbols of protection and luck, tied to deep ancestral beliefs.
🌊 The Legend of Sabou
One day, a hungry hunter encountered a crocodile that, with a flick of its tail, pointed him to the water and guided him to the lake, saving his life. From that moment, the man swore never to hunt these animals again, creating a sacred bond between humans and crocodiles.
🐊 The Mystery of Bazoulé
In the kingdom of Naba Kouda, the youngest son was chosen as successor. When asked by his father, “Are you ready?” the boy replied, “I’m not foolish, I can do it!” This gave rise to the belief that humans and crocodiles share the same spirit.
Rites and Traditions
During festivals, locals offer sacrifices to the crocodiles to invoke health, fertility, success, and protection. These animals, though wild, are gentle and accustomed to human presence, allowing visitors a close and fascinating encounter.
👉 Come and discover the mystical charm of Burkina Faso’s sacred lakes!
Banfora Waterfalls (Karfiguéla Falls)
The Banfora Waterfalls, also known as Karfiguéla Falls, are among the most famous natural wonders of Burkina Faso. Located near the town of Banfora in the southwest of the country, these waterfalls are formed by the Komoé River and offer a spectacular landscape, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
During the rainy season (June–October), the water flow is abundant and powerful, creating a breathtaking view. The waterfalls are also a gathering place for local communities and a popular tourist destination, appreciated for both their beauty and the serenity of the environment.
According to local legends, the waters of the falls are protected by nature spirits, and the site is considered a place of energy and connection with spiritual forces.
The Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso – Burkina Faso
In the heart of Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city in Burkina Faso, stands one of the oldest and most fascinating mosques in West Africa. Built in 1880, the Great Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is a masterpiece of Sudano-Sahelian architecture, constructed from mud, wood, and straw, with large towers and wooden sticks (called toron) protruding from the walls to facilitate maintenance.
According to tradition, the mosque was built through an agreement between the king of the Sya kingdom (the city’s ancient name) and Muslim leaders. In exchange for military assistance against an invading enemy, the king granted Muslims the right to construct a place of worship.
The mosque is not only a religious building: it is a symbol of peace, coexistence, and spirituality. Even today, it is frequented by Muslim worshippers and visited by people from around the world for its beauty and historical significance.
In the quiet of its halls, among the raw earth walls and the shadows of the wooden sticks, one can feel the living memory of a people who have harmoniously united tradition, faith, and art.
The National Museum of Burkina Faso – History and Significance
The National Museum of Burkina Faso is located in the capital, Ouagadougou, and is one of the main guardians of the country’s historical and cultural memory. Founded in 1962, shortly after gaining independence from French colonial administration in 1960, the museum was established to collect, preserve, and promote the cultural heritage of Burkina Faso’s diverse ethnic groups and traditions.
The museum building is designed in a simple style, with pavilions inspired by local architecture. Inside, visitors can find collections of traditional objects, including:
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Ritual wooden masks used in sacred dances;
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Statues, musical instruments, and everyday tools;
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Textiles, jewelry, ancient weapons, and ceremonial attire;
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Sacred objects related to animist cults and spiritual practices.
The museum also serves as a center for education and cultural transmission, hosting cultural events, temporary exhibitions, youth workshops, and meetings between artists and researchers. It is a space where the living cultures of Burkina Faso engage in dialogue with the past, strengthening national identity and promoting understanding among the country’s diverse peoples.
The National Museum is therefore much more than a building: it is a bridge between generations, a place of cultural pride, and a symbol of the plural and creative spirit of Burkina Faso.
Rivers and Lakes of Burkina Faso – History, Life, and Spirituality
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, rich in rivers, lakes, and artificial reservoirs that play a crucial role in the life, culture, and economy of local communities.
Rivers The main rivers of Burkina Faso are:
Mouhoun (Black River) Nakambé (White River) Nazinon (Red River)
These three rivers are part of the greater Volta Basin, which also extends into Ghana. Since ancient times, the rivers of Burkina Faso have provided water for agriculture, fishing, and daily life, especially during the dry season. But rivers are not only natural resources—they also hold spiritual significance. In many local traditions, watercourses are inhabited by nature spirits, and along their banks, ceremonies, offerings, and purification rituals are performed.
Lakes
Among the most important lakes are:
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Lake Tengréla, near Banfora, famous for its sacred hippos, protected by local communities and considered bearers of peace.
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Lake Bam, near Kongoussi, one of the largest natural lakes in the country.
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Lake Dem, in the Central-North region.
In addition to natural lakes, Burkina Faso has built several dams and artificial reservoirs (such as the Bagré Dam) to manage water, irrigate fields, and produce energy. These reservoirs have transformed the agricultural economy and improved the country’s food security.
Rivers and lakes in Burkina Faso are more than water: they are history, culture, spirituality, and a source of life. They represent the deep connection between people, nature, and the sacred.
Rivers and Lakes of Burkina Faso – History, Life, and Spirituality
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, rich in rivers, lakes, and artificial reservoirs that play a crucial role in the life, culture, and economy of local communities. Rivers The main rivers of Burkina Faso are: Mouhoun (Black River) Nakambé (White River) Nazinon (Red River) These three rivers are part of the greater Volta Basin, which also extends into Ghana. Since ancient times, the rivers of Burkina Faso have provided water for agriculture, fishing, and daily life, especially during the dry season. But rivers are not only natural resources—they also hold spiritual significance. In many local traditions, watercourses are inhabited by nature spirits, and along their banks, ceremonies, offerings, and purification rituals are performed. Lakes Among the most important lakes are: Lake Tengréla, near Banfora, famous for its sacred hippos, protected by local communities and considered bearers of peace.Lake Bam, near Kongoussi, one of the largest natural lakes in the country Lake Dem, in the Central-North region. In addition to natural lakes, Burkina Faso has built several dams and artificial reservoirs (such as the Bagré Dam) to manage water, irrigate fields, and produce energy. These reservoirs have transformed the agricultural economy and improved the country’s food security. Rivers and lakes in Burkina Faso are more than water: they are history, culture, spirituality, and a source of life. They represent the deep connection between people, nature, and the sacred.
ChatGPT ha detto: Included Excursions: 10 Guided Outings
An authentic experience of African culture, nature, and traditions
🔸 PLACES WE WILL VISIT:
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Ouagadougou: local markets, cathedral, traditional crafts
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Laongo: open-air museum with over 400 granite sculptures
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Tiebelé: Kassena village with hand-decorated houses
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Bazoulé: sacred crocodile lake
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Nazinga: elephant park and African wildlife
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Bobo-Dioulasso: historic city with the famous Sudanese-style mosque
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Banfora: Karfiguela waterfalls
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Sabou: lake and natural landscapes
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Ouagadougou Craft Village: culture, nature, and traditions
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National Museum of Burkina Faso: history, art, sculpture, and weaving
🚐 TRANSPORTATION:
All internal transportation to reach the 10 tourist destinations is included in the price. 💰 TOTAL COST: €800 per person
Assistance for Tourist Visa to Burkina Faso
I am available to help anyone who wishes to apply for the online visa.
Required documents:
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A passport-sized photograph;
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A photocopy or scan of the passport, valid for at least 6 months, including the first pages (front and back);
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A photocopy of the vaccination card, with particular attention to the yellow fever vaccination.
Cost: €84 for the tourist visa, valid for up to 3 months.
Anyone interested can send me their documents by selecting one of the icons below
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Anyone who wants to apply for the visa on their own, click
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BOOK YOUR FLIGHT NOW FOR THE WORKSHOP IN BURKINA FASO. If you want to book your flight, please choose one of the following options:
🌍 Culture, Music, Dance, and the Beauty of Burkina Faso
Cultural exchange in the “Land of Upright Men”
An extraordinary event celebrating African traditions and cultural richness, based in Ouagadougou.
📌 Tailor-made trips – whenever you want!
If you can’t attend the three main events of 2025, no problem: you can choose your preferred period and length of stay in Burkina Faso.
✨ The apartment will always be available to welcome you.
🥁 Musicians will be ready to teach you how to play traditional instruments.
🚐 Local guides will accompany you on excursions and cultural visits whenever you wish.
👉 You can stay for just one day or as long as you like, with no time limits.
We recommend a 10–14 day stay to fully experience the culture, music, dance, and African traditions.
🌍 Cultural and Artistic Trip to Burkina Faso
Easter in Burkina Faso: Barbecue, Music, and Sharing Under the Stars
Easter Day will be a unique experience: a barbecue around the fire, accompanied by live music, lively dances, and traditional storytelling. In Burkina Faso, Easter is called Tabaszzi, and it is much more than a religious celebration—it symbolizes sharing and tolerance.
Here, this special day is celebrated as a festival for everyone: it is customary for Muslims to visit the homes of Christians to join in the festivities, in a gesture of genuine brotherhood and mutual respect.
It is a moment of deep emotion that reminds us of the true meaning of Easter: God is love, and above all, God is one, regardless of the religion one follows.
Come and experience this with us, and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of African Easter!
It will be a day dedicated to celebrating together with the people of Burkina Faso.
🛏️ Accommodation & Meals
🏨 RENTAL APARTMENT – OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO
Available year-round for authentic and comfortable stays.
🛏️ SHARED APARTMENT ACCOMMODATION (2–3 people)
1 bedroom, living room, private bathroom, kitchenette,
running water, electricity, and cleaning included.
Private apartment available upon request (contact us for info and prices).
DAILY RATES PER PERSON (accommodation only):
🔸 €15 per day – with fan
🔸 €21 per day – with air conditioning
🍽️ FULL BOARD €20 per day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner (typical Burkinabé cuisine), plus 2 one-liter bottles of water per day.
Excursions/trips NOT included.
📅 TOTAL PRICES FOR 14 DAYS PER PERSON:
🔸 With fan:
€15 (accommodation) + €20 (meals) = €35 per day
👉 Total for 14 days: €490
🔸 With air conditioning:
€21 (accommodation) + €20 (meals) = €41 per day
👉 Total for 14 days: €574
🌍 Stay and Accommodation – Welcome
🌍 AFRO Festival Grande Madre Africa Concerto Moderno e Tradizionale
This is the place where we will hold the percussion, dance, and singing workshops, as well as the concerts.
My name is Seydou Kienou. I am a musician, percussionist, singer, and dancer, and this is my story. I was born in Burkina Faso into a family of Griot musicians. My childhood was silent. A severe ear infection made me deaf at a young age, preventing me from completing elementary school alongside my peers.
But the Djembé spoke for me, with vibrations I could feel strongly, overcoming my illness. The call was irresistible: I learned to play despite my deafness. That’s how the Djembé became my voice and my life.
At 14, I won a music competition in Burkina Faso, which caught the attention of a German doctor. Learning about my condition, he decided to help me and bring me to Germany for a procedure that would allow me to regain my hearing. And so it happened.
Upon arriving in Germany, I began performing to share the voice of my Djembé with everyone. It was then that I met the man who took care of my medical expenses and, over the years, helped me become who I am today.
During one concert, his daughter approached me—a little girl poorly dressed, whom I imagined to be poor. She told me she had not eaten in order to listen to me. Moved, I offered her a meal and, at her persistent request, gave her my personal drum, the one I never parted from. Her father, a wealthy and generous man, was so impressed by my gesture that he took me under his wing as a son. Once again, the Djembé had protected and guided me.
I regained almost full hearing, and my career as a musician has never stopped since. The Djembé has been my salvation, and even today, it is my entire life. Thanks to it, I have known generosity, gratitude, and love in all its shades. I have learned the value of education, tolerance, and respect. The Djembé has been, and is, my channel of connection with the world.
This is the message I want to share. The rhythm of the drum has always been a call to gathering and sharing. Today, through this same sound, I invite everyone to embrace hospitality and mutual listening, without prejudice, giving space to compassion, tolerance, positivity, and the joy of giving and sharing. For those who give are much happier than those who receive.
The drum is an instrument of peace, a unifier of people across all borders and cultures. The vibrations of the Djembé bring people together, know no divisions, and open the way to understanding others without reservation.
This is my Djembé: a message of love for all the people of the world!