| Becoming one of the leading comedy festivals on the African continent: this is the ambitious goal of the Cotonou Comedy Festival, created by Benin's Agency for the Development of Arts and Culture (ADAC) and the Jokenation Group, which TV5MONDE has decided to support. The first edition will bring together many French-speaking African, European, and American artists, including Kev Adams, Herman Amisi, Frida Choco Bronzé, Willy Dumbo, J-M Elie, Elifaz, Kady, Prissy La Dégameuse, Manouton, Certe Mathurin, Charly Niobe, Juste Parfait, Ulrich Takam, Paul Taylor, Oualas, Samia Orosemane, and Caroline Vigneaux. "Live performance and humor are essential vehicles for dialogue and cohesion across Africa and the entire French-speaking world. TV5MONDE is proud to give the Cotonou Comedy Festival global reach by broadcasting the two shows organized at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou on its channels," announced Kim Younes, CEO of TV5MONDE. The show "Mikwabo," which will take place on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m., will feature African artists. "Welcome Black," organized on December 6 at 7:30 p.m., will give international comedians a chance to speak on the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity. Both shows will be broadcast on TV5MONDE in early 2026, in coordination with the Société de Radio et de Télévision du Bénin (SRTB). "Creating a festival is a real challenge that requires strong partners. We are delighted that TV5MONDE has agreed to support this adventure by giving the Cotonou Comedy Festival global visibility from its very first edition. This is a wonderful recognition for the African and international artists who will be performing there," says Grégoire Furrer, founder of the Montreux Comedy Festival and president of the Jokenation group. With masterclasses, round tables, and a comedy village, the Cotonou Comedy Festival will also be a week of festivities, meetings, and debates open to all. Discover the program and the trailer. |
