Ouagadougou: The Minister of Culture, Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, has called upon the citizens and cultural stakeholders of Burkina Faso to embrace the consumption of Burkinab¨ music as a patriotic duty. During the opening of a symposium on Burkinabe music, organized as part of the 2026 Music Festival, the Minister emphasized that supporting local music is crucial for promoting national identity and strengthening cultural sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Ou©draogo highlighted that indulging in the works of national artists not only boosts the cultural economy but also creates employment opportunities and asserts the cultural independence of the nation. “Consuming music produced by our artists means supporting our cultural economy, creating jobs, strengthening our national identity, and contributing to the cultural independence of our country,” he stated.
Minister Ou©draogo further pointed out that sovereignty extends beyond political and economic dimensions and is deeply rooted in cultural promotion. Culture, he noted, serves as a powerful vehicle for instilling values of patriotism, solidarity, respect, and community attachment.
Abraham Ouess©na Abassagu©, Director General of the National Center for Arts, Entertainment and Audiovisual (CENASA), elaborated on the symposium’s alignment with the cultural rearmament vision of Burkinabe authorities. He asserted that a nation’s development cannot be confined to economic or agricultural metrics alone; culture significantly influences societal behaviors, consumption patterns, and national identity.
Panelist Abassagu© underscored the necessity of pride in one’s music and cultural heritage for a people to fully assert their identity. He emphasized the need for the symposium’s discussions to translate into tangible actions involving the State, private sectors, transport companies, leisure venues, and broadcasters to enhance the presence of Burkinabe music in public spheres and everyday life.
The symposium, which convened cultural stakeholders, experts, and media professionals, aimed to devise strategies to elevate the profile of national music and bolster its impact both within Burkina Faso and on the international stage.