Burkina faso: The Minister of Culture, Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, has urged the country’s citizens and cultural stakeholders to view the consumption of Burkinab¨ music as a patriotic act. He emphasized that supporting local musical creations is vital for promoting national identity and bolstering cultural sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, during the symposium on Burkinabe music, organized as part of the 2026 Music Festival, the Minister highlighted that consuming local artists’ productions contributes significantly to the cultural economy, job creation, and the assertion of the nation’s cultural independence. ‘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,’ Ou©draogo stated.
The Minister further noted that sovereignty extends beyond political and economic dimensions, asserting that culture plays a crucial role in transmitting values such as patriotism, solidarity, respect, and community attachment. The Director General of the National Center for Arts, Entertainment and Audiovisual (CENASA), Abraham Ouess©na Abassagu©, echoed this sentiment by explaining that the symposium aligns with the cultural rearmament vision promoted by Burkinabe authorities.
Abassagu© argued that a nation’s development cannot rely solely on economic or agricultural growth, as culture shapes behaviors, consumption habits, and national identity. As a panelist discussing the impact of Burkinabe music on national sovereignty, he stressed that a nation cannot fully assert its identity without pride in its music and cultural heritage.
He advocated for concrete actions involving the State, private sectors, transport companies, leisure venues, and broadcasters to amplify the presence of Burkinabe music in public spaces and ingrained consumption habits. The symposium, which convened cultural actors, experts, and media professionals, aimed to develop strategies for enhancing the influence of national music both within Burkina Faso and internationally.