Afropop Worldwide

Sean and Georges are currently in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, covering the biannual MASA arts festival. Photographer William Farrington will be documenting the entire festival. This report portrays the Wisemen, a reggae group; Tuareg band Amanar, and Saulo Fernandes from Brazil. Check out his photos below from the first two days. and stay tuned for more dispatches from MASA from William and a full report from Sean. [caption id="attachment_27942" align="aligncenter" width="640"] First stop in Abidjan was the legendary Parker Place, in Marcory Zone 4, a magnet for reggae fans, where house band the Wisemen was on stage. All photos by William Farrington.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27943" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A singer with the Wisemen[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27946" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Amanar, featuring guitarist Ahmed Ag Kaedy from Kidal, and vocalist/dancer Mariam Walet Messaoud. Ahmed's short guitar lines, repeated but ending at different points, matched the rhythm of Mariam's deliberate dance steps, creating a feeling of moving slowly through a vast space.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27947" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Amanar featuring guitarist Ahmed Ag Kaedy and Mariam Walet Messaoud.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27948" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Amanar with vocalist/dancer Mariam Walet Messaoud.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27949" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Tuareg audience members enjoying the music of Amanar.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27951" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Audience approving of the Amanar performance at the Palais de la Culture, Abidjan during the MASA festival, Sunday, March 6.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27952" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Saulo Fernandes, from Brazil, performing with his band at the Palais de la Culture, Abidjan during the MASA festival, Sunday March 6.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27953" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Saulo Fernandes with his band.[/caption]