Fada n'gourma: The elimination rounds of Faso Academy 2025 took place in the Goulmou region on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, drawing a large audience to Fada N'Gourma. Samuel Bougma emerged as the frontrunner, securing first place with a score of 95 points, translating to an average of 15.83 out of 20.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the competition featured three candidates, all hailing from the region and currently pursuing their studies. The participants included Josue Combary, a third-year modern literature student at Abdoulaye Yembila Toguyeni University; Samuel Bougma, a third-year student specializing in electronics and industrial computing, who is also engaged in community work; and Steeve Pedhongba, a third-year mining student.
Each contender showcased their talents through two performances. In the first round, they delivered the compulsory piece "Ouaga jeune" by Floby. The second round saw the male candidates performing their rendition of "Ropero" by the artist Reman. Ultimately, Samuel Bougma led the scoreboard with his 95 points, trailed by Josue Combary with 85 points, achieving an average of 14.16, and Steeve Pedhongba with 74 points, averaging 12.3.
"We experienced moments of joy, relaxation, and learning with these performances. They were also moments of immersion in our land and our cultural values, with candidates who gave the best of themselves," stated Hassane Djibilirou, the cultural advisor to the governor of Goulmou. He expressed appreciation for the strong public turnout and encouraged continued support for emerging talents.
Faso Academy host Jaki El Pheno, who had attended other performances in Ouagadougou, Manga, and Tenkodogo, remarked that "the level of the candidates is very acceptable." He expressed optimism that this edition could unveil stars capable of representing Burkinabe music.
The elimination rounds are set to proceed in other regions across the country, with the top averages advancing to the round of 16. The regional stage's cultural supervision team was led by musician Ma Lingani.